Code Purple: HP/Compaq Motherboard Tattoo?

Flyboy · 13-03-2012, 15:29

Hi

I was attempting to do a system recovery recently, on a HP A6250, but, during the process, the computer gave me an error code of "Code Purple" and wouldn't allow me to continue. Now, I am stuck with a machine that won't do anything at all, until I get this sorted.

From research, I have established this is caused by the tattoo on the motherboard not matching the OEM's records attached to the OS's certificate (I have no idea whether this is true or not). The motherboard was changed last year (not by me, I hasten to add ), but I had no idea it would cause this problem.

Do not let the above fool you into believing I know what I am doing (it probably won't fool anyone

). I seriously am technology illiterate and most of this stuff goes right over my head. But I really am desperate for help, so if anyone has any ideas about how to resolve this, I would be eternally grateful, but, other than typing in code and finding what buttons to press, I wouldn't feel confident in stripping the thing down.

I thank you all in anticipation for any help you may give.

**Kymmy** · 13-03-2012, 15:54

Sounds like the SLIC table has been corrupted.. There are tools available to allow you to rewrite the tables back to relevant OEM details.

djmagnifique · 13-03-2012, 16:59

When the motherboard was changed was one the new one the same make and model as the old one?

When using recovery disks the disks will look for specific hardware, like the motherboard, before allowing you to install. If the new motherboard isn't the same as what it's looking for then it might not let you use the disks. If you have a retail windows disk try installing with that instead.

Flyboy · 13-03-2012, 19:02

Thanks for the help, but I would rather avoid having to install a completely new OS. The original package came with a few add-ons I would much like to keep.

Kymmy, sorry, bit I have no idea what a "SLIC table" is.

**Kymmy** · 13-03-2012, 19:25

Windows OEM reads the SLIC table which is held in the BIOS and compares the data to the OEM certificate. If either the SLIC table or the OEM certificate is corrupt then it'll fail.

Do a search for HP SLIC as there are a few utils about for rewriting the table.. Or you can try the latest HP BIOS update as that should also rewrite the SLIC table then retry the system restore.. If still faulty then the disc is at fault and it's the OEM certificate that is corrupt