This is what the HP site page says:
Ordering a Recovery CD set
A System Recovery from the hard drive may not be possible in some circumstances. A recovery CD set is needed for the following three reasons:
The computer's hard drive has failed.
The computer's hard drive has been or will be upgraded.
The computer's hard drive has been formatted or re-partitioned.
You may order a Recovery CD set by calling HP Customer Care at (208) 323-2551.
NOTE: When you run the Recovery CD set, the hard drive will be re-formatted. Consequently, any files or new software that you have saved or installed on the computer will be removed.
I am a newbie (obviously or I would not have purchased the HP without the cds to start with) - so I know nothing more than what it says - never talked to a "tech support type" - just someone taking the order!
Guess I have been had and a lesson learned the hard way - gotta try to make the most of it and I am learning!
I did question the cost - they basically asked if I wanted the cds or not - I said yes and they said it'll be $10.65. So my option was to pay and get the cd set or forget it - LOL - and still pay for the phone call!