2 Dead Computers: Should I Reinstall Or Get Rid Of?

I have two dead computers. The hard drives are certainly dead. They have failed the hard drive error test. This explains why the computers were so slow. (I am typing on a HP Pavilion dv7 which is much faster.)

The affected laptops are a Toshiba Protege M400. Windows would not boot any more. I pulled the hard drive and plugged it into an adapter. It failed the test. That hard drive is much too small anyways.

HP G62.

I ran a test on the HP G62 which includes a memory test and a hard drive test. I don't think it ran any other hardware tests unfortunately. The memory test passed and the hard drive test failed.

The only option I have with me is the recovery partition, which is on a dead hard drive.

Both of these computers have product key stickers on them. Should I use them?

Is the product key stickers on the computer meant just for that computer (in case I have to replace the hard drive) can it be used as many times as needed, for the computer it is attached to?

Is the product key on the laptops similar to registering MorphOS, where the keyfile is tied to the ROM (or something) of the computer? And that keyfile is not supposed to be transferable to another computer?

What is an OEM version of Windows?

Is that product key on the laptops an OEM key?

Can OEM keys be reused for a new hard drive if the old hard drive dies?

What is a "Windows for Refurbished PCs" install disc?

Can Windows for Refurbished PCs be reused if the hard drive dies and needs to be replaced?

Is Windows for Refurbished PCs an OEM version of Windows?

Should I just get a retail version of Windows?

Is there any way to reinstall a recovery partition?

Should I just contact HP & Toshiba for recovery discs?

Should I also contact HP & Toshiba to see if I can send my hard drives to them so that they can install a recovery partition onto it? AND mail the discs to me?

I REALLY want to use a SSD? But it is too complicated to install Windows XP? (The Toshiba says "Designed for Windows XP", and the product key says Windows XP Tablet Edition)

If I don't hear from HP & Toshiba about recovery discs, should I just give up and get rid of these computers?

Am I posting in the wrong forum category or something?!

I'm guessing they are both at least 6 or 8 years old?

If that's true, I'd say most of your questions are irrelevant--I wouldn't expend much money on either.

You may be able to order recovery disks from the manufacturer, but it may be for a ridiculous price.

Are both XP or is one Windows 7?

The Product Keys can be re-used on those 2 machines.

You could reinstall the operating system on new hard drives for either machine. You'd have to buy new hard drives and buy, borrow, or find an installation disk. You don't need to buy it if you can borrow a version that exactly matches the version mentioned on your Product Keys.

Up to you to decide how much time and money you want to use. If you don't do much with them other than browse the Internet, email, and minor stuff, they might be worth salvaging, but at their age it's a questionable proposition. You could buy new hard drives and have the motherboard or screen fail the next week. Laptops are very expensive to maintain compared to a desktop machine.

Toshiba has a XP sticker and HP has a Windows 7 sticker. I prefer using the OS the computer is designed for, and then buying a separate computer for a new OS.

I know they are old but as far as XP is concerned, I like to play "old" games not found on Windows 7 and more important, I have a perfectly working scanner that can't be used for Windows 7.

I guess I am being off topic, because of this is a Windows 7 website.

I think the recovery discs are the best solution. I should make some. As for the other laptop, I forgot to make them so I will have to buy them.

I already bought the recovery discs for G62, and then if the install is successful, I will make extra discs. I am about to do so on the laptop I am typing on now.

I will click solve later.

Clean Reinstall Windows 7 Factory OEM