Hex said:
I recently purchased a Dell laptop,
I paid the extra for Windows XP Professional because I am a software
developer and I require it for apps such as .net.
Why on earth did I never get the offer of an O/S disk to come with the laptop?
and
Do I really need one? for re-installs, drivers and networking etc...
If some one could shed some light on this that would be appreciated
Legally, the OEM will have met it's contractual obligation to
Microsoft by providing a means of returning the PC to its ex-factory
state, whether it's a Recovery CD or a Recovery Partition. They are not
legally obliged to provide a true installation CD as part of the sale.
Reputable, customer-service aware OEMs, like MPC, and Gateway, do
provide a full OEM installation CD, that does permit custom
installations and repairs. Many uncaring OEMs, especially those who
sell their computers through department stores and chain outlets, such
as Compaq, HP, eMachines, and Sony, however, in an effort to save
pennies and reduce their support costs by having to hire support people
that can only say "Boot from the Recovery CD to return your PC to its
original condition," provide only a CD bearing a disk image of the hard
drive as it left the factory. These Recovery/Restore CDs cannot perform
normal installations, nor can they be used to do any sort of customizations.
Essentially, it boils down to "You get what you pay for."
You might be able to get an unbranded, generic OEM CD to perform a
repair installation, using the Dell's OEM Product Key (affixed to the
side of the computer).
--
Bruce Chambers
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They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin