How to find HP Compaq nc6000 recovery discs

If you don’t care to read the path I took for find the CDs, go to the bottom.

I searched and searched on Google looking for HP Compaq nc6000 recovery DVDs or CDs.  I couldn’t find anything on HP’s website about them, or even the part number.  I found 3rd party sites selling the discs, but only one had the one for this model and it was going to be hundreds of dollars.

I used a Windows XP Professional SP2 CD from an older HP laptop, but it would give an error saying there was no hard drive present:

http://forums11.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?admit=109447626+1287021157510+28353475&threadId=1089060

Then I followed the direction of putting the SATA drivers on a diskette, which was an ordeal, but I did it (with an old NIC driver diskette and a D620 floppy drive w/USB cable).  Then, after loading the SATA driver diskette, it asked me “insert the disk labeled Windows XP Professional Edition CD-ROM into Drive A:”   I couldn’t get it to do anything after that point.

So, I went searching again the next day.  I finally stumbled upon this, which was what I wish I found the first time, it was perfect.  Hopefully this is high on Google and saves you time and headaches:

…you can order a set of restore disks for your nc6400 from HP if you live in the USA. I ordered some in January. Cost me $10.00 for shipping.1. Write down the part number and serial # on the bottom of the computer on the white tag. The model # is an HP-Compaq nc6400, but the part number will be found on that white tag below the serial #.

2. Call HP at 1-800-952-7689, option 1 (ordering restore disks is part of the list in the option).

3. Provide the info asked by the rep that answers the phone. Some just ask for the serial #, some want both, or they will just want the serial number and type of computer (nc6400).

4. Have a Master Card or Visa ready for purchasing. They don’t take Discover. I believe you will be charged $10.00.

You will receive the disks by First Class Mail or you can pay an additional $10.00 for FedEx shipping.

CREDIT: Paul (pjtikkanen) – http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Operating-systems-and-software/HP-Compaq-nc6400-Laptop-Recovery-CD/m-p/335514/highlight/true#M45812