Are OEM's allowed to not include Windows CD?

[C Paden]

My father bought a Compaq compuer...grr...and now it needs a fresh
install of WinXP. however.....

The way Compaq sets these things up is to put software images,
including Windows inatall image, on another partition on the one
internal hard drive. This HD was corrupted. The comp came with NO
software installation discs and NO Windows CD (even though it does
have a windows prod-key sticker on the side).

After calling the worthless Compaq tech support twice (first time the
guy hung up on me), which happens to be routed to an Indian
outsourcing company which is no help at all, and speaking with the
only supervisor there (or at least the only one thed let me talk with),
they insisted that I PURCHASE A CD FROM COMPAQ!

This is my only recourse from them, all I want to know is is this a legal
thing to do?? If legal, then it seems to me at least very poorly thought
out. I have never heard of NOT bundling a Windows CD with a
legitimate preinstalled version of Windows.

Thanks for any insight.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Go out and purchase a conventional "Full Version" of Windows XP.

Visit http://www.newegg.com/software/. You can purchase an OEM version of
Windows XP Professional for $139 and it includes the CD.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


My father bought a Compaq compuer...grr...and now it needs a fresh
install of WinXP. however.....

The way Compaq sets these things up is to put software images,
including Windows inatall image, on another partition on the one
internal hard drive. This HD was corrupted. The comp came with NO
software installation discs and NO Windows CD (even though it does
have a windows prod-key sticker on the side).

After calling the worthless Compaq tech support twice (first time the
guy hung up on me), which happens to be routed to an Indian
outsourcing company which is no help at all, and speaking with the
only supervisor there (or at least the only one thed let me talk with),
they insisted that I PURCHASE A CD FROM COMPAQ!

This is my only recourse from them, all I want to know is is this a legal
thing to do?? If legal, then it seems to me at least very poorly thought
out. I have never heard of NOT bundling a Windows CD with a
legitimate preinstalled version of Windows.

Thanks for any insight.

 

[Guest]

you can but a OEM from anyone selling them, The key you
have will work with the same version and you will get a
new key.

http://www.9software.com/

 

[Albert Sims]

My father bought a Compaq compuer...grr...and now it needs a fresh
install of WinXP. however.....

The way Compaq sets these things up is to put software images,
including Windows inatall image, on another partition on the one
internal hard drive. This HD was corrupted. The comp came with NO
software installation discs and NO Windows CD (even though it does
have a windows prod-key sticker on the side).

My Compaq Presario I bought back in February came with a 5-disc
"restore" set. The Compaq I bought in early 1999 also came with a
"restore" CD. Sounds like they negleted to put one in the box yours came
in. Not sure if place of purchase has anything to do with it, but both
of mine were bought at Radio Shack...

 

[Chuck]

My father bought a Compaq compuer...grr...and now it needs a fresh
install of WinXP. however.....

The way Compaq sets these things up is to put software images,
including Windows inatall image, on another partition on the one
internal hard drive. This HD was corrupted. The comp came with NO
software installation discs and NO Windows CD (even though it does
have a windows prod-key sticker on the side).

After calling the worthless Compaq tech support twice (first time the
guy hung up on me), which happens to be routed to an Indian
outsourcing company which is no help at all, and speaking with the
only supervisor there (or at least the only one thed let me talk with),
they insisted that I PURCHASE A CD FROM COMPAQ!

This is my only recourse from them, all I want to know is is this a legal
thing to do?? If legal, then it seems to me at least very poorly thought
out. I have never heard of NOT bundling a Windows CD with a
legitimate preinstalled version of Windows.

Thanks for any insight.

Is the computer new? Call Compaq corporate office, and ask about
fixing a defective product. Ask them for either in-home support, or
an RMA number so you can return a defective product.

If it's not new, then you're probably stuck. You'll spend more, in
grief and frustration, by dealing with them, than if you just buy a
OEM CD.

Chuck
I hate spam - PLEASE get rid of the spam before emailing me!
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.

 

[CS]

My father bought a Compaq compuer...grr...and now it needs a fresh
install of WinXP. however.....

The way Compaq sets these things up is to put software images,
including Windows inatall image, on another partition on the one
internal hard drive. This HD was corrupted. The comp came with NO
software installation discs and NO Windows CD (even though it does
have a windows prod-key sticker on the side).

After calling the worthless Compaq tech support twice (first time the
guy hung up on me), which happens to be routed to an Indian
outsourcing company which is no help at all, and speaking with the
only supervisor there (or at least the only one thed let me talk with),
they insisted that I PURCHASE A CD FROM COMPAQ!

This is my only recourse from them, all I want to know is is this a legal
thing to do?? If legal, then it seems to me at least very poorly thought
out. I have never heard of NOT bundling a Windows CD with a
legitimate preinstalled version of Windows.

Thanks for any insight.

Yes, it's legal. Certain OEMs do not provide restore or installation
CDs. They are only required to provide a way to recover the OS in
case of a problem, etc.

Compaq tech support should supply a new hard drive with the XP image
already on it IF the machine is still under warranty. Otherwise, you
would be better off purchasing a retail copy of XP and installing it.
If you do, be sure you download all necessary drivers for the Compaq.
Compaq machines are proprietary in nature and usually require special
drivers.

 

[Mail]

Since you have your own product key (licence) to install the software how
you obtain the disc is up to you. If you have a friend with a Dell pc they
will have an OEM disc supplied with it. Make a copy of their disc, load the
software with your product key and then delete the Dell branding. This
isn't piracy since you already own the licence!

My father bought a Compaq compuer...grr...and now it needs a fresh
install of WinXP. however.....

The way Compaq sets these things up is to put software images,
including Windows inatall image, on another partition on the one
internal hard drive. This HD was corrupted. The comp came with NO
software installation discs and NO Windows CD (even though it does
have a windows prod-key sticker on the side).

After calling the worthless Compaq tech support twice (first time the
guy hung up on me), which happens to be routed to an Indian
outsourcing company which is no help at all, and speaking with the
only supervisor there (or at least the only one thed let me talk with),
they insisted that I PURCHASE A CD FROM COMPAQ!

This is my only recourse from them, all I want to know is is this a legal
thing to do?? If legal, then it seems to me at least very poorly thought
out. I have never heard of NOT bundling a Windows CD with a
legitimate preinstalled version of Windows.

Thanks for any insight.

 

[kurttrail]

By the act of scrolling this post on your computer, and/or printing or
replying to this post, you agree that I am your everlasting Lord &
Saviour. Breach of this term will result in you burning in hell for
ever and ever! Amen!"

My father bought a Compaq compuer...grr...and now it needs a fresh
install of WinXP. however.....

The way Compaq sets these things up is to put software images,
including Windows inatall image, on another partition on the one
internal hard drive. This HD was corrupted. The comp came with NO
software installation discs and NO Windows CD (even though it does
have a windows prod-key sticker on the side).

After calling the worthless Compaq tech support twice (first time the
guy hung up on me), which happens to be routed to an Indian
outsourcing company which is no help at all, and speaking with the
only supervisor there (or at least the only one thed let me talk
with), they insisted that I PURCHASE A CD FROM COMPAQ!

This is my only recourse from them, all I want to know is is this a
legal thing to do??

They did supply you with a way to reinstall. It's not their fault that
your father didn't back it up.

A couple of lessons to be learned from this experience.

1.) Don't buy a computer from any manufacturer that doesn't supply
actual installation disks for all of the software that's bundled with
the computer. And that's probably any computer that can be bought in a
major retail store.

2.) Backup anything on your hard drive that you couldn't stand to lose
if the hard drive fails, and the recovery image would be something you
would not want to be without.

If legal, then it seems to me at least very
poorly thought out. I have never heard of NOT bundling a Windows CD
with a
legitimate preinstalled version of Windows.

Thanks for any insight.

All you need to do is borrow & burn an OEM copy of XP [Home or Pro,
depending on what came with the computer] from a friend, and use the Pro
duct Key that came with your father's computer.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei!"

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Legally, the OEM has 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 Dell and Gateway, do
provide a full OEM installation CD, that does permit custom
installations and repairs. Many uncaring OEMs, such as Compaq, HP,
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.


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH


My father bought a Compaq compuer...grr...and now it needs a fresh
install of WinXP. however.....

The way Compaq sets these things up is to put software images,
including Windows inatall image, on another partition on the one
internal hard drive. This HD was corrupted. The comp came with NO
software installation discs and NO Windows CD (even though it does
have a windows prod-key sticker on the side).

After calling the worthless Compaq tech support twice (first time the
guy hung up on me), which happens to be routed to an Indian
outsourcing company which is no help at all, and speaking with the
only supervisor there (or at least the only one thed let me talk
with),
they insisted that I PURCHASE A CD FROM COMPAQ!

This is my only recourse from them, all I want to know is is this a
legal
thing to do?? If legal, then it seems to me at least very poorly
thought
out. I have never heard of NOT bundling a Windows CD with a
legitimate preinstalled version of Windows.

Thanks for any insight.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Shouldn't work. Dell CDs are BIOS-locked, meaning they'll only
install upon the Dell PCs for which they're designed. A copy would
have the same limitation. However, a copy of a generic OEM CD would
serve, I should think.

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Alex Nichol]

This is my only recourse from them, all I want to know is is this a legal
thing to do?? If legal, then it seems to me at least very poorly thought
out. I have never heard of NOT bundling a Windows CD with a
legitimate preinstalled version of Windows.

Unfortunately yes. OEMs are only required to provide a 'means of
restoring to ex-factory state', which is being interpreted by HP/Compaq
as providing the files in a hidden partition on the disk - not even a
'restore' CD. And there is a catch with Compaq in that their hardware
has proprietary aspects that need a 'tweaked' system too. Only recourse
is for people to ask - and refuse to purchase. But the general public
is not aware, so does not resist

 

[Mail]

I don't think that this is true because I have installed XP home from a copy
of a Dell disc on a computer that was not a Dell!

 

[CS]

It isn't true. Dell CDs are not BIOS locked as Mr. Chambers asserts.
Dell machines usually come already activated from the factory and with
some of their low end units, they only supply a restore CD set.
However, most Dell machines come with an OEM version of XP which will
usually work on another PC - not necessarily a Dell.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

I guess that means that Dell's anti-theft precautions aren't as
effective as one would like.

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Greg P]

Just call compaq and tell them you want to order a restore cd.
They should send you one. This way you wont have to spend a lot
of money. It will return to factory state.

I also, read that if you have a friend that has the same restore cd.
Some manufatures allow the cd to work with more than one computer.
My emachine restore disk says it will work for all the same models.

tip. If you can access the 386 folder, you can do a repair install or
windows xp.

Greg P Rozelle

 

[Barbara]

Will this repair the registry? I accidentally deleted a few reg files. I've
tried System Restore but that didn't work. The only reason I know I need
them is because Spybot came up with a list of invalid file paths(?). Can I
repair by the 386 folder or do I have to use the XP disk? Any advice would
be greatly appreciated. TIA.
Barb aka Spicygirl

Just call compaq and tell them you want to order a restore cd.
They should send you one. This way you wont have to spend a lot
of money. It will return to factory state.

I also, read that if you have a friend that has the same restore cd.
Some manufatures allow the cd to work with more than one computer.
My emachine restore disk says it will work for all the same models.

tip. If you can access the 386 folder, you can do a repair install or
windows xp.

Greg P Rozelle

 

[Gary Tait]

Will this repair the registry? I accidentally deleted a few reg files. I've
tried System Restore but that didn't work. The only reason I know I need
them is because Spybot came up with a list of invalid file paths(?). Can I
repair by the 386 folder or do I have to use the XP disk? Any advice would
be greatly appreciated. TIA.
Barb aka Spicygirl

No. Restore discs as usually provided by OEMs, wipe and reinstall the
system to factory condition.

Just call compaq and tell them you want to order a restore cd.
They should send you one. This way you wont have to spend a lot
of money. It will return to factory state.

I also, read that if you have a friend that has the same restore cd.
Some manufatures allow the cd to work with more than one computer.
My emachine restore disk says it will work for all the same models.

tip. If you can access the 386 folder, you can do a repair install or
windows xp.

Greg P Rozelle

 

[Please reply to news group.]

Companies shouldn't be allowed to do that. It appears that OEMs are
just a pain.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

I'm inclined to agree with that position. To seek remedy, contact
your congressional/parliamentary (as applicable) representatives and
ask them to enact legislation to that effect.

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Please reply to news group.]

They don't come activated. When I turned my Dell on for the first time,
it requested permission to call Microsoft and activate. If I hadn't
said yes, it would have told me to call Microsoft.