Windows XP pro OEM

Hi
I have just bought a new computer, with Windows XP Professional
pre-installed, and I have sold my previous computer, which I had upgraded to
XP pro. Obviously, I sold it with the upgrade disc. I have managed to find
the number for my current copy of XP, but what do I do if I need to
re-install XP, which happened on the previous computer? I was not supplied
with a resource disc for the new computer, just a disc of MB drivers.
Any ideas?

Regards
Richard

Malke
Thu Mar 27 13:59:09 PDT 2008

Richard Daish wrote:

> Hi
> I have just bought a new computer, with Windows XP Professional
> pre-installed, and I have sold my previous computer, which I had upgraded
> to XP pro. Obviously, I sold it with the upgrade disc. I have managed to
> find the number for my current copy of XP, but what do I do if I need to
> re-install XP, which happened on the previous computer? I was not supplied
> with a resource disc for the new computer, just a disc of MB drivers.
> Any ideas?

The computer mftr. is required to provide you a way of returning the machine
to factory condition. This can be done by providing:

a. Physical install CD of the actual operating system (hardly ever done any
more); or
b. Physical restore disk(s) which have an image of the system as it came
from the factory; or
c. Restore image placed on a special partition on the hard drive (may be
hidden). In these cases, there is usually a utility to create physical
restore CD/DVDs - look in the Start Menu for OEM entries (Dell, HP, Sony,
etc.). Physical restore disks are important to have in case the hard drive
dies.

Refer to the manual you got with your new computer, the OEM's Help
files/documents on the hard drive, or the tech support website for your
specific model computer to see which method your OEM used.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Richard
Thu Mar 27 14:12:04 PDT 2008

I have checked - there is no physical CD, no restore disk, no special
partition, nor any software to create restore CD - no manual either (I've
had to download the MB manual from the internet).
The computer is not a well-known make - probably just some two-bit outfit
(no names!) making a bit of money building cheapo computers!
Thanks anyway.
I was actually looking at some way of compacting the OS onto a disc so that
I can use it for back up. Obviously, the simplest thing to do is to buy
another copy of XP!
"Malke" <malke@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:uKRoo1EkIHA.4868@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Richard Daish wrote:
>
>> Hi
>> I have just bought a new computer, with Windows XP Professional
>> pre-installed, and I have sold my previous computer, which I had upgraded
>> to XP pro. Obviously, I sold it with the upgrade disc. I have managed to
>> find the number for my current copy of XP, but what do I do if I need to
>> re-install XP, which happened on the previous computer? I was not
>> supplied
>> with a resource disc for the new computer, just a disc of MB drivers.
>> Any ideas?
>
> The computer mftr. is required to provide you a way of returning the
> machine
> to factory condition. This can be done by providing:
>
> a. Physical install CD of the actual operating system (hardly ever done
> any
> more); or
> b. Physical restore disk(s) which have an image of the system as it came
> from the factory; or
> c. Restore image placed on a special partition on the hard drive (may be
> hidden). In these cases, there is usually a utility to create physical
> restore CD/DVDs - look in the Start Menu for OEM entries (Dell, HP, Sony,
> etc.). Physical restore disks are important to have in case the hard drive
> dies.
>
> Refer to the manual you got with your new computer, the OEM's Help
> files/documents on the hard drive, or the tech support website for your
> specific model computer to see which method your OEM used.
>
> Malke
> --
> MS-MVP
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> Don't Panic!

Ken
Thu Mar 27 14:20:40 PDT 2008

On Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:30:04 -0000, "Richard Daish"
<richard.daish@btinternet.com> wrote:

> Hi
> I have just bought a new computer, with Windows XP Professional
> pre-installed, and I have sold my previous computer, which I had upgraded to
> XP pro. Obviously, I sold it with the upgrade disc. I have managed to find
> the number for my current copy of XP, but what do I do if I need to
> re-install XP, which happened on the previous computer? I was not supplied
> with a resource disc for the new computer, just a disc of MB drivers.


OEM vendors are required by their agreement with Microsoft to give you
a means of reinstalling, should it be necessary. They can do this in
one of three ways:

1. An OEM copy of Windows
2. A restore CD
3. A hidden partition on your drive, with restore information.

If you don't have 1 or 2, you should have 3, but you should contact
your vendor to find out.

Personally, I find both 2 and 3 unacceptable (especially 3; a hard
drive crash can leave you with nothing), and would never choose to buy
a computer that came with an operating system unless I got a complete
generic installation CD for that operating system.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

Malke
Thu Mar 27 15:49:05 PDT 2008

Richard Daish wrote:

> I have checked - there is no physical CD, no restore disk, no special
> partition, nor any software to create restore CD - no manual either (I've
> had to download the MB manual from the internet).
> The computer is not a well-known make - probably just some two-bit outfit
> (no names!) making a bit of money building cheapo computers!
> Thanks anyway.
> I was actually looking at some way of compacting the OS onto a disc so
> that I can use it for back up. Obviously, the simplest thing to do is to
> buy another copy of XP!

That's not the obvious solution to me. The obvious solution to me is that
you contact the computer mftr. and insist on receiving a legal copy of XP
Pro OEM or call your credit card company and do a charge-back. Also contact
Microsoft's piracy division.

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation -
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/
Genuine Windows Offer Q&A -
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/purchase/purchaseFAQ.aspx

Of course if you can afford to walk away from $200 and you don't care,
that's your choice.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Ken
Thu Mar 27 17:44:26 PDT 2008

On Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:49:05 -0700, Malke <malke@invalid.invalid>
wrote:

> Richard Daish wrote:
>
> > I have checked - there is no physical CD, no restore disk, no special
> > partition, nor any software to create restore CD - no manual either (I've
> > had to download the MB manual from the internet).
> > The computer is not a well-known make - probably just some two-bit outfit
> > (no names!) making a bit of money building cheapo computers!
> > Thanks anyway.
> > I was actually looking at some way of compacting the OS onto a disc so
> > that I can use it for back up. Obviously, the simplest thing to do is to
> > buy another copy of XP!
>
> That's not the obvious solution to me. The obvious solution to me is that
> you contact the computer mftr. and insist on receiving a legal copy of XP
> Pro OEM or call your credit card company and do a charge-back. Also contact
> Microsoft's piracy division.


Just in case Richard wants another opinion, I'm with your point of
view 100%.

Richard has been cheated, and he shouldn't just sit back and accept
that.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

peter
Thu Mar 27 18:02:40 PDT 2008

And if he wants a 3rd opinion I agree with Malke........And I am just some
poor consumer schmuck...
But gal darn it...I paid for it and I want what I paid for!!
peter

--
DISCLAIMER: If you find a posting or message from me
offensive, inappropriate, or disruptive, please ignore it.
If you don't know how to ignore a posting, complain to
me and I will be only too happy to demonstrate... ;-)


"Malke" <malke@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:OTHGEzFkIHA.2396@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Richard Daish wrote:
>
>> I have checked - there is no physical CD, no restore disk, no special
>> partition, nor any software to create restore CD - no manual either (I've
>> had to download the MB manual from the internet).
>> The computer is not a well-known make - probably just some two-bit outfit
>> (no names!) making a bit of money building cheapo computers!
>> Thanks anyway.
>> I was actually looking at some way of compacting the OS onto a disc so
>> that I can use it for back up. Obviously, the simplest thing to do is to
>> buy another copy of XP!
>
> That's not the obvious solution to me. The obvious solution to me is that
> you contact the computer mftr. and insist on receiving a legal copy of XP
> Pro OEM or call your credit card company and do a charge-back. Also
> contact
> Microsoft's piracy division.
>
> Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation -
> http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/
> Genuine Windows Offer Q&A -
> http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/purchase/purchaseFAQ.aspx
>
> Of course if you can afford to walk away from $200 and you don't care,
> that's your choice.
>
> Malke
> --
> MS-MVP
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> Don't Panic!

Rich/rerat
Fri Mar 28 01:42:11 PDT 2008



--
Add MS to your News Reader: news://msnews.microsoft.com
Rich/rerat
(RRR News) <message rule>
<<Previous Text Snipped to Save Bandwidth When Appropriate>>


"Malke" <malke@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:OTHGEzFkIHA.2396@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
Richard Daish wrote:

> I have checked - there is no physical CD, no restore disk, no special
> partition, nor any software to create restore CD - no manual either (I've
> had to download the MB manual from the internet).
> The computer is not a well-known make - probably just some two-bit outfit
> (no names!) making a bit of money building cheapo computers!
> Thanks anyway.
> I was actually looking at some way of compacting the OS onto a disc so
> that I can use it for back up. Obviously, the simplest thing to do is to
> buy another copy of XP!

That's not the obvious solution to me. The obvious solution to me is that
you contact the computer mftr. and insist on receiving a legal copy of XP
Pro OEM or call your credit card company and do a charge-back. Also contact
Microsoft's piracy division.

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation -
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/
Genuine Windows Offer Q&A -
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/purchase/purchaseFAQ.aspx

Of course if you can afford to walk away from $200 and you don't care,
that's your choice.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Rich/rerat
Fri Mar 28 01:49:30 PDT 2008

Richard Daish,
Until you resolve your issue with the PC manufacturer, of obtaining some
kind of restore CD, you might consider purchasing a copy of Acronis
TrueImage version11. This will enable you to make an image of your HDD and
its partitions. To be used in a restore process in the future.

It can be purchased from Acronis online for about USD$49.99, and most
computer stores for about the same amount. You can check also on Ebay for
TrueImage version 10 which might be cheaper, version 10 will work will work
with Vista, if you ever acquire a PC with Vista, or upgrade your current PC
with Vista.

--
Add MS to your News Reader: news://msnews.microsoft.com
Rich/rerat
(RRR News) <message rule>
<<Previous Text Snipped to Save Bandwidth When Appropriate>>


"Malke" <malke@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:OTHGEzFkIHA.2396@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
Richard Daish wrote:

> I have checked - there is no physical CD, no restore disk, no special
> partition, nor any software to create restore CD - no manual either (I've
> had to download the MB manual from the internet).
> The computer is not a well-known make - probably just some two-bit outfit
> (no names!) making a bit of money building cheapo computers!
> Thanks anyway.
> I was actually looking at some way of compacting the OS onto a disc so
> that I can use it for back up. Obviously, the simplest thing to do is to
> buy another copy of XP!

That's not the obvious solution to me. The obvious solution to me is that
you contact the computer mftr. and insist on receiving a legal copy of XP
Pro OEM or call your credit card company and do a charge-back. Also contact
Microsoft's piracy division.

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation -
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/
Genuine Windows Offer Q&A -
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/purchase/purchaseFAQ.aspx

Of course if you can afford to walk away from $200 and you don't care,
that's your choice.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Richard
Fri Mar 28 09:19:07 PDT 2008

Hi and thanks for all your suggestions.
I have followed this up with the manufacturer, who is claiming the CDs
should have been included, so they are sending duplicates. I would not have
known, apart from you gentlemen telling me, as I have never bought a
computer with an OS before - I have always supplied it.
Thank you very much.

"Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
news:jr3ou3dp0q3bks1787fdjvlno60i16d272@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:30:04 -0000, "Richard Daish"
> <richard.daish@btinternet.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi
>> I have just bought a new computer, with Windows XP Professional
>> pre-installed, and I have sold my previous computer, which I had upgraded
>> to
>> XP pro. Obviously, I sold it with the upgrade disc. I have managed to
>> find
>> the number for my current copy of XP, but what do I do if I need to
>> re-install XP, which happened on the previous computer? I was not
>> supplied
>> with a resource disc for the new computer, just a disc of MB drivers.
>
>
> OEM vendors are required by their agreement with Microsoft to give you
> a means of reinstalling, should it be necessary. They can do this in
> one of three ways:
>
> 1. An OEM copy of Windows
> 2. A restore CD
> 3. A hidden partition on your drive, with restore information.
>
> If you don't have 1 or 2, you should have 3, but you should contact
> your vendor to find out.
>
> Personally, I find both 2 and 3 unacceptable (especially 3; a hard
> drive crash can leave you with nothing), and would never choose to buy
> a computer that came with an operating system unless I got a complete
> generic installation CD for that operating system.
>
> --
> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

Malke
Fri Mar 28 09:37:52 PDT 2008

Richard Daish wrote:

> Hi and thanks for all your suggestions.
> I have followed this up with the manufacturer, who is claiming the CDs
> should have been included, so they are sending duplicates. I would not
> have known, apart from you gentlemen telling me, as I have never bought a
> computer with an OS before - I have always supplied it.
> Thank you very much.

Glad you got this sorted. Thanks for taking the time to post back.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Ken
Fri Mar 28 10:46:48 PDT 2008

On Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:19:06 -0000, "Richard Daish"
<richard.daish@btinternet.com> wrote:

> Hi and thanks for all your suggestions.
> I have followed this up with the manufacturer, who is claiming the CDs
> should have been included, so they are sending duplicates. I would not have
> known, apart from you gentlemen telling me, as I have never bought a
> computer with an OS before - I have always supplied it.
> Thank you very much.


You're welcome, and glad to hear they're sending them.



>
> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
> news:jr3ou3dp0q3bks1787fdjvlno60i16d272@4ax.com...
> > On Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:30:04 -0000, "Richard Daish"
> > <richard.daish@btinternet.com> wrote:
> >
> >> Hi
> >> I have just bought a new computer, with Windows XP Professional
> >> pre-installed, and I have sold my previous computer, which I had upgraded
> >> to
> >> XP pro. Obviously, I sold it with the upgrade disc. I have managed to
> >> find
> >> the number for my current copy of XP, but what do I do if I need to
> >> re-install XP, which happened on the previous computer? I was not
> >> supplied
> >> with a resource disc for the new computer, just a disc of MB drivers.
> >
> >
> > OEM vendors are required by their agreement with Microsoft to give you
> > a means of reinstalling, should it be necessary. They can do this in
> > one of three ways:
> >
> > 1. An OEM copy of Windows
> > 2. A restore CD
> > 3. A hidden partition on your drive, with restore information.
> >
> > If you don't have 1 or 2, you should have 3, but you should contact
> > your vendor to find out.
> >
> > Personally, I find both 2 and 3 unacceptable (especially 3; a hard
> > drive crash can leave you with nothing), and would never choose to buy
> > a computer that came with an operating system unless I got a complete
> > generic installation CD for that operating system.
> >
> > --
> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
>

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup