Compaq Presario 5000 system restore disk ERROR

System restore disk tells me to enter the serial number on the back or side of my computer, a 12 digit/letter combo, which I found on the back and front (in the grey CD holder thingy) of the tower. So I enter the number and it says invalid serial number, not supported by this disk

Um, that's the disk that came with that computer

The computer is so bonkers I don't know what else I can do! I can start in safe mode, but My Computer doesn't list the CD drive to copy my pictures & stuff on to to back up before I wipe.

Please Help, my it's my dad's computer and he thinks I'm a wiz, but I am at a loss here!

This question was answered on December 9, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Are you sure is the Computer Serial Number that the Recovery process is requesting and not your System Board ID.

Hint: When the Recovery comes to this point, press Ctrl Q That may disable this option and the recovery process may continue Otherwise look for the following:

I suggest also that you obtain the Certificate Of Authenticity (Product Key) before Continuing the Recovery Process.

go to Start->Run, type Regedit, and click Ok Navigate to the following Key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Compaq\SCOM\SysInfo

Highlight Sysinfo and look at the right pane for System Serial Number Double click on it The Value is your Serial Number.

In the same key look for System Board Id in the right pane Double click on it The value is your System Board Id.

Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

Highlight CurrentVersion and look in the right pane for ProductKey Double click on it The value is your Certificate of Authenticity.

Try again after collecting this data.

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Posted by Christopher of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on December 9, 2004

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