XP Configuration Error : "Code Purple"

[Mongo99]

OK, so where is this HP Tattoo page or the DMI Utility. I'm also getting the Code Purple error and Compaq/HP acts like they've never heard of it - after a dozen emails we're no closer to solving the problem.

[INTEGRALE69]

the tattoo is not a page but rather information in a hidden sector on your motherboard and if like packard bell machines also a hidden sector on the hdd this information alows windowsto run after a recovery from the HP or Compaq recovery media which installs an OEM version of windows, this information is checked when you boot the machine if the data is corrupt or missing software HP has added to windows makes the assumption that you have illegaly tried to install the OEM windows on a non-HP machine.
As to why HP are denying knowlage of code purple I don't know why but the call centre I work in the instant you hear code purple or config error on a HP/Compaq an egineer is booked instantly as that is the only method we have available to resolve this as the engineer has the disks to fix this, also we tend to book a motherboard just in case.
Its also worth noteing that Emachines also have a Tattoo method for there recovery media as do Packard bell.

[Mongo99]

OK - then here's my question...

Is there anyway to fix this problem without taking the computer in and getting hit with service charges? I've got one last procedure to try - from the HP email support - which involves fully clearing the drive partitions, and I'll report back here if it works.

But any more info on the process would be appreciated.

[INTEGRALE69]

If you can get the disks for tattooing your computer you should be able to run the process but as to how the process works I'll ask around work to find out but I don't have any direct contact with the engineers

[sam53]

Hello,
I am stuck with a HP M376N Media Center PC in Africa with a Code Purple error. HP wants unit sent back to the States for reTATOO but that is not a practical solution. I need assistance to get system back up. I have received original Recovery disks from HP but the disks are no help. I find I can reload the PC with Microsoft XP or other Microsoft OSes but not the Media Centre OS. Booting the PC with XP should allow HP or someone else with the reTATOO disks work remotely to reTAToo the PC if that will help.

Thanks.

[INTEGRALE69]

The Tattoo process can't be run remotly as it works outside of windows and the computer has to boot off these disks all I can suggest is to speek with a HP specialist or ask HP's representative in Africa if they have an approved repair agent there who will be able to carry out the work, this is the way it is done in the UK with ourselfs it is done by a mastercare trained engineer.
One thing is worth remembering is if the machine is in warrenty and they take it to the us for repair as soon as they pick it up HP assumes responsability of any damage to the unit the only inconvienence you have then is being without the machine and this sort of problem should have a Max of a 5 day turn around once recieved.

[Rudedog15]

Well, I have read all 16 posting here, yet I still not sure how to bypass or where to get these disks to tattoed my M376N media center. Did i understand correctly that you could just install a XP Media Center OS that is not the OEM that came with the recovery utility from HP?

Thanks

Rudy

[mc05201]

I am an HP certified repair technician and I can tell you without a doubt that the motherboard must be tattooed. It cannot be done remotely and you will not be able to get HP to send you the disk. The tattoo has to do with licensing and Microsoft Windows. The real shame is that the fix takes less than 5 minutes and is usually only needed after the motherboard has been changed. Tattooing is simply writing the machines product number, serial number, and hardware and software build into the BIOS. I've done it more times than I care to admit.

[outbak]

I know I am very late to this thread (3 years from the original post), but since it appears as the #1 response in Google to "Code Purple" errors I figured it would be wise for me to put my 2 cents in. Somewhere along the thread, tattoo'ing was mentioned as the ONLY fix and I'm sure that doing so would resolve the problem, however hp isn't forthcoming with the tools to do so. When I called hp's tech support, they said the only way they would help me is to send a replacement hard drive that was already tattoo'd. I was frustrated with that response so I kept looking and I came across another answer @ http://forums.techguy.org/windows-nt...-error-hp.html that worked perfect for me. To sum it up, you need to put the hard drive into another computer as a slave or hook it up externally with one of those USB enclosures if you don't have space for a second hard drive. Then open up C:\hp\bin\ConfigCheck\cfgchk.bat with notepad and modify the section that checks to see if the hard drive is tattoo'd to have it not bother checking at all. (although the hard drive will be running as slave so replace the C:\ with whatever drive letter Windows assigns it) The line to remove is: "python c:\hp\bin\ConfigCheck\run.py". This worked great for me and I hope it helps anyone else who comes along this thread as an alternative to dealing with tattoo'ing the motherboard or hard drive.

[hpak]

Been reading a lot the info on the MB tattoo. My HP MB crapped out and instead of buying a whole new computer, I decided to re-build using a new MB and processor. Also, I have a lot of data on the HD I need to recover. Fortunately, I had a old HP that I was able to get u and running (good only for surfing and e-mail, it's a 10 year old PC with a P III CPU).

I ordered the new MB and CPU and contacted HP about how to go about getting the OS running. They told me to have the MB tattooed by an authorized service agent. There is a CompUSA that'll do this, but I was wondering how this will affect my ability to update the BIOS of the new MB and also if there's a way I can do it myself and save the extra $60.00.

Any help will be appreciated.