Big Problem with Harddrive

[cande]

Hi to all!

A year ago I bought a Sony VAIO Desktop Computer. Now my Harddrive WDC-WD2500BB ist damaged and needs to be replaced. I found the same Harddrive is still for Sale but when I takled to Western-Digiatl adn Sony, they told me that since to Harddrive that was shipped with the Computer has a special signature from Sony, the Recovery CD will not work with a replacement Harddrive. I taled to sony to get a original Sony sihgnated Harddrive and all they told be so far is to send the Computer in for Repair. Since the Unit is out of warranty, there is a minimum charge of $314 just to open 4 screws and tell me that the Harddrive is defective - a fact that I already know. $314 ist just too much for me. So my question here is: What is a signature on a harddrive? And can I somehow duplicate this signature on a new Harddrive, so I can use my Recovery CD ?

Thank you for your answers in advance

 

[DJ-CHRIS]

Ok #1 you do not need your recovery CD, you can find any XP CD and stick it in and put XP on their, and use your legal CD key

 

[cande]

Thank you for the Help, but this will just save Windows XP. The problem is where do i get a Windows XP cd? By thw Way i'm using Windows XP Media Center edition. I don't know where to find such a CD. And there is way mor Software that came with the Computer than just XP. Does anyone know how to get the Recovery-CD working, or how to copy the signnature ?

 

[Nitestick]

you could try and do a complete backup using something like symantec ghost. it'll copy bit for bit the entire drive

 

[hkfnstang]

I don't think there are any way to get the sony signature, so forget about it.

just get the exact same hard drive, do a backup image, then recover on your new hard drive.

 

[cande]

Okay I'll try to backup my Drive

Thanks to all for the Help !!!