My HP dv7-1135nr entertainment notebook pc has a black screen, the techies at Friendly Computers (FC), the good folks said it was the CPU failing (1 blinking light) and the BBGS confirmed that it was the CPU. How can I save my Vista OS, applications and files? I made recovery disks (boo, hoo on CDs instead of DVDs) and I have the control key, so I was hoping to install the hard drive into my desktop (WinXP Home) and then dual boot; however, I was told by both FC and BBGS that I could not because MS ties the OS with the CPU. Another option I could try to find the same HP model laptop for sale (cheap) and then install my hdd into that laptop. As a last resort, I could install the hdd into enclosure box and use as external storage drive. If I could get my notebook pc operating that would be fantastic!
I am looking for the least cost option.