Preparing for a disaster

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Guest

I have a four year old computer with Windows XP Home. Generally, this
computer has done me very well, and still runs pretty good for it's age.
However, over the years, I have had to reformat it several times due to
various malfunctions.

I have a copy of Windows XP which was provided by my computer's
manufacturer, and with this, I have been able to clean my hard drive when
need be through creating a new partition, deleting the old one, reinstalling
windows...etc.

However, I am buying a laptop and the manufacturer will not be providing me
with a copy of Windows.

I would like to know if there is a way to create a back-up disk of the
actual operating system, or if this constitutes piracy.

Thank you!
 
I think that according the 'End User License Agreement' between you and
Microsoft, you are allowed to install one copy on your main or production
machine and another backup copy (probably in a laptop or something) for your
personal use only.

I don't remember the clauses but you better take a look at the EULA.

If you have an OEM version, the license stuff may differ.

Read the EULA carefully and you will understand how many copies you
can/can't install in a single user license.
 
Every computer manufacturer that installs Windows is required to provide
a means to restore the computer. Ask the computer manufacturer what
method they use -- before you buy.

A better alternative, if you consider yourself a fairly advanced user,
is disk imaging software, which can make an exact copy of your hard disk.
 
If the original computer manufacturer provided an OEM copy of XP, then it cannot be transferred to another computer. OEM copies are tied to the first system they are installed on.

If this is a retail copy of XP, you can transfer it to as many systems as you wish.
 
Fata7x said:
I have a four year old computer with Windows XP Home. Generally, this
computer has done me very well, and still runs pretty good for it's age.
However, over the years, I have had to reformat it several times due to
various malfunctions.

I have a copy of Windows XP which was provided by my computer's
manufacturer, and with this, I have been able to clean my hard drive when
need be through creating a new partition, deleting the old one,
reinstalling
windows...etc.

However, I am buying a laptop and the manufacturer will not be providing
me
with a copy of Windows.

I would like to know if there is a way to create a back-up disk of the
actual operating system, or if this constitutes piracy.

Thank you
Click to expand...


All computers are sold with a method of restoring the computer to it's
factory state.
Many use a hidden partition which contains the files necessary to restore
the computer. If your new computer is one of these, it will have a utility
that will allow you to make a set of restore discs (either CDs or DVDs).
You should do this as soon as possible after getting the computer.

Bobby
 
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