XP licensing far from clear to HP PC users

Hewlett-Packard has really managed to put its foot in it with users this time. Its latest range of Pavilion PCs - popular with home and small business customers alike - has been shipped without recovery CDs for the Windows XP operating system.

A simple mistake? Not according to the computer manufacturer.

Instead of sending users a CD the recovery files are now tucked away on a hidden partition on the hard drive - available in an emergency but invisible the rest of the time.

HP claims the move makes no difference, the files are still there, it is just that they're just in a different form.

But what happens if the hard drive is damaged? Or infected by a virus? Or upgraded? Or the drive is partitioned to add a second OS?

According to Carly's crew, if you change or replace the hard drive the only way to get XP back is to buy a new retail copy for $199(ish).

However, a quick call to Microsoft produces quite a different story. According to the software giant, its new authentication software means that even if XP recovery files are damaged or lost, it can identify legitimate users and replace the OS for free.

Confused? We certainly are.

Microsoft's bid to cut down on piracy is fine in theory, but put into practice it is still causing a headache. If HP can't get to grips with it, what chance is there for your average home user?

Perhaps it would be better all round if HP made an elegant retreat and started sending Pavilion users old-fashioned recovery CDs. After all, a happy user is probably worth the price.