In [[personal computer|personal computing]], '''Error Code Purple''' is an error message from [[Compaq]]/[[Hewlett-Packard|HP]] [[personal computer]]s when trying to reinstall [[Microsoft Windows XP]] from the restore disks. If the PC has had too many changes to its hardware, the error is triggered. The mechanism is an attempt at [[copy protection]] and particularly affects PCs sold with [[Windows XP Media Center Edition]]. The message has caused some concern amongst HP computer owners <ref>[http://www.billoblog.com/billoblog/?p=152 Code Purple — The Compaq/HP Booby Trap] (Billoblog, 04 Jan 2006)</ref>.
On some PCs, HP place a "tattoo" (a [[hash code]]) of the default motherboard and hardware configuration on the restore disk <ref>[http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/questionanswer.do?threadId=1004887&admit=-682735245+1160438847160+28353475 Re-installing XP onto a705w from retail disk?] (Hewlett-Packard Business Support Forums)
</ref>. If you have modified your system (''e.g.'' by adding new hardware, including memory), the restore disks will refuse to reinstall the system. The tattoo is designed only to be modified by HP or by an HP-authorized third-party dealer, though it is possible for a PC owner to modify or remove it by accessing the hard disk after the restore disk has initially written to it <ref>[http://www.quickconnect.com/news-articles.php?page=9&Windows-XP-Code-Purple-Message Windows XP Code Purple Message], QuickConnect.com</ref>.
==References==
<references />
[[Category:Hewlett-Packard]]
[[Category:Computer errors]]
[[Category:Digital rights management]]
[[Category:Software licenses]]
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