If you have no other choice, and all can be lost (we all backup the files we can't lose), then try it.
Many of us were surprised (and happy for them) when a similar iffy procedure was tried in the Newbies or Computer Help forum and even though it glitched, the user then flipped over the laptop and got the correct CDKEY input and got the machine fixed.
Again, if you are looking for someone to write it should work, it won't be me.
I know that some HPs made the owner create the CDs, but some owners didn't. I guess they didn't have the time or understand why it was needed.
Bob
Hi!
My mother (you may recall previous posts) finally hired a "come-to-your-house" tech to get her HP Presario/Windows XP computer to work right again. (Long story.) He finally took it to his shop to finish the work, and now says that Windows XP has "crashed" and he needs her recovery disk which she does not have. (No CDs came with it--just "hidden partition.") I've read here that she can order them from HP; but I'm wondering if I can make one on my PC (ours are exactly the same) to give to the tech to use on hers?
You people who answer questions from novices like me are absolutely terrific. I look forward once again to your recommendations and advice. Thanks!
Ellie Howe

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic