Refro-help said:
Hello all.
Well, it's about that time for just an average reformat, to help keep my
system up and going.
I've heard of stranger hobbies, but it's your time.
There is usually no sound technical reason for reinstalling any
operating system periodically, except on test machines. When properly
maintained, even a Win3.x or Win9x installation would last for many years.
Only there is one problem.
I should think there'd have to be several major problems, if you think
you need to format and reinstall the OS.
I don't have discs.
Vista came on my computer, from best Buy. They didn't send any discs.
Microsoft requires its licensed OEM computer manufacturers to
provide a means of returning the computer to its original, ex-factory
state. The particular method of recovery, however, is left entirely to
the discretion of each individual computer manufacturer.
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 do provide a full OEM
installation CD, that does permit custom installations and repairs.
However, many uncaring OEMs, such as eMachines, Compaq, HP, and Sony, in
an effort to save pennies and reduce their support costs by having to
hire support people that need 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.
Essentially, it boils down to "You get what you pay for."
The computer's manufacturer will have provided you some means of
returning the computer to it's original, ex-factory state. Read the
documentation that came with the computer, or check the manufacturer's
support web site, and follow the instructions/procedures provided.
I have the key, but my question is this: If I use my friends CD's, but my
key, will it still work?
Only if he has the same edition of Vista and specific type of license
(retail full vs. Upgrade vs. OEM).
I don't want him being "locked" out of being able to
use the CD's again, and I don't want to reformat, to find out that I can't
use his CD's, and be in a world of trouble.
Then post your actual problems here and get them fixed, rather than
simply formatting and starting over. That's really the course of last
resort.
--
Bruce Chambers
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