Windows Update error 8008005 on search and update

Yes, indeed it is installed using a clean OEM iso instead of the HP provided bloatware :)

I understand the policy of not assisting if not using the original installation. Shame though. Was hoping to avoid a clean installation.

NoelDP said:

You can clean install with Retail media - using the Key from the COA sticker on the machine's case.
Activation Exploits are in effect rootkits, and can carry along all the associated problems of such beasts.

As someone on the inside of an OEM manufacturer's customer support organization, I can tell you that the option to install from clean media using the provided key on the COA sticker is a theoretical possibility with a less than 50/50 chance of working. On paper it should not be an issue, in real life it ends with having to generate new keys.

But yeah, I know the risk of MS Toolkit and the likes.

No worries on my end though. I have the Win 8 upgrade from HP/MS, so I'll probably use this as a good excuse to finally use it :) About time I guess, with Win 9 preview already on the horizon.