OEM vs. NOT

[CZ]

Did it not even give a warning that it was designed expressly for
Dell computers? Sounds like Dell no longer takes as much care as they
used to when building their installation routines. I'll try to
remember to alter my examples, the next time the question comes up.

Bruce:

No warning. It installed as a retail CD would install (clean install).


My previous post:eMachines, Sony, Dell, Gateway, etc., it will most likely only install
on the same brand of PC, as an additional anti-piracy feature

Bruce:

As a test, I installed my Dell version of Win XP Pro on a kit computer.
It installed fine, and started the activation period count down.

I removed it, as the sole purpose was to see if it would install.

 

[NobodyMan]

So far, my OEM PC is quite stable. Why would you need to do a "clean
install" (using an upgrade CD)? Would it be just as fast to run the
Recovery Disks as opposed to a clean install? Perhaps I am using a fairly
new OEM PC recently purchased (a brand name). Maybe the OEM PC's have since
increased in quality, with time and experience. I am sure they have tested
over and over before they mass produce the "setup image" and release to
retail market. If not, it would cost OEM more money to fix after the fact
(such as warranty repair, or utilize their tech support over the phone).

There may be "stuff" the OEM may pre-load, but you can use MsConfig or
Startup CPL to disable "stuff" you don't want to load at startup. Any
shortcuts on the desktop could be deleted or moved to a folder and not
displayed. In essence, remove or disable all "companion" software add-ons
you don't wish to commigle with your browser.

I think nowadays, the consumers are more worry "security holes" in the OS
than anything else.

I prefer to do a clean install of just the OS, customize it to the
look I want, then create/burn the HD image with Drive Image.
Restoring from Drive Image is much faster than re-partioning,
reformatting, and re-installing Windows on the HDD.

 

[Drew]

I agree, your method is the "ideal" way to save an image for later
retoration. My previous posts only meant for someone whose looking to buy a
low end PC where he/she does not want to invest a lot of money or time. The
cost of ownership is
may be less expensive (to buy a new OEM pc) than to "upgrade" your existing
PC (depending on how new your PC is).

Nowadays, if you spend $499 for the "OEM" PC, it comes with:

You get Intel 2.5 Ghz cpu, 256 Mb ram, 80 Gb harddisk, 48x Cdrw/Dvd-Rom
complete with network card and 56K modem, along with Works2003, Norton
AntiVirus2003, and some other freebie apps.

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