How to (theoretically) re-install the HP TouchSmart Software on a new installation of Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7
Last week I posted an article on my experiences installing Windows 7 on my new HP TouchSmart iQ804 (click here for the details). One of my remarks was:
- Note: I haven’t yet found a way to re-install the HP Software that comes with the pre-installed Vista Home Premium on the HP TouchSmart.
I started a thread on touchsmartcommunity.com asking if anyone had any tips on how to re-install the HP TouchSmart software that comes bundled with the iQ804 on a new installation of Vista or Windows 7 (click here for that thread). This software was called at some point "SmartCenter".
The HP TouchSmart Software - HP makes it hard
for you to install it if you install a new operating system
I didn't get any answers, but I did get a warning from GeekTieGuy (who I think is one of the developers of the HP TouchSmart software). He told me in a friendly way that I should read the license agreement closely - HP and its lawyers may have policies I could violate if I re-installed this software.
One or more HP lawyers and/or business folks don't
want you to install the HP TouchSmart software you
bought on the same hardware you also paid for. Makes sense?
I'd like to give food for thought for HP and its lawyers: if HP really has policies in place that don't allow me to re-install software I paid for on the same hardware I also paid for, it could open itself to a Class Action lawsuit.
Here's a scenario: I need Windows 7 Ultimate for example to login into my Active Directory domain - but Windows Vista Home Premium (which came with the iQ804) does not support this feature. So if I install my own purchased version of Windows Vista Ultimate on the same iQ804- all of a sudden I should no longer be allowed to use the HP TouchSmart Software that I paid for? There are many other examples.
To keep the HP lawyers happy: I have not done this, but I did find a theoretical solution on how to re-install the HP TouchSmart software on a new operating system - read below if you'd like the details.




