How can I get Windows XP Professional on a CD

[Naveen[_2_]]

Hello

My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).

The system restore function does not work.

Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
this from Dell.

Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
reformat my computer.

Thanks

[Shenan Stanley]

Naveen wrote:
> My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> The system restore function does not work.
>
> Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I
> purchased
> this from Dell.
>
> Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> reformat my computer.

Why is it no surprise yourcomputer got 'damaged by malware'? It would be
surprising to me. It's not hard to keep from being infested by malware, not
overly complicated to avoid all together.

Microsoft did not supply your computer nor do they have any obligation to
supply you with anything - given what you have ("when I purchased this
[system] from Dell.") By your own admission, Dell sold you the computer and
thus supplies the stuff you get when you make said purchase. Dell would
supply you with whatever you requested when you purchased the machine.
Could have been an installation CD/DVD, could have been a
restoration/recovery CD/DVD set and/or it could have been a
recovery/restoration partition.

Check the paperwork that came with your computer and/or contact Dell. They
can tell you what method to use to try and restore your computer to it's 'as
shipped' state. They may even sell you a CD.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

[sgopus]

Microsoft is not responsible for supplying a restore disc, Dell should be the
one you contact in regards to that. contact them with the serial number of
the pc and or look them up on the web, have your serial number handy.

"Naveen" wrote:

> Hello
>
> My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> The system restore function does not work.
>
> Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
> this from Dell.
>
> Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> reformat my computer.
>
> Thanks

[Bennett Marco]

Naveen > wrote:

>Hello
>
>My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
>The system restore function does not work.
>
>Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
>this from Dell.

That was Dell's choice, not Microsoft's. If you didn't get a CD, then
there is a recovery partition on your hard drive that is accessible
prior to Windows loading. One or the other has to have been provided.

Look for a message involving an "F" key... it might also tell you to
use a two-key combo involving the CTRL key.

>Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
>reformat my computer.

If you can't recover using the hidden partition, try asking Dell for a
recovery CD... if they will send you one, it won't cost much.

[Jose]

On Jul 26, 5:36*pm, Naveen > wrote:
> Hello
>
> My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> The system restore function does not work.
>
> Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
> this from Dell.
>
> Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> reformat my computer.
>
> Thanks

Did you remove the malware, and how did you do that?

What does "The system restore function does not work" mean?

Do you think a System Restore will solve your unspecified problem?

If you buy a built system, they are unlikely to provide any kind of
Microsoft XP CD(s). Some manufacturers will send you one for free,
some for a fee and some never. You should resign yourself to accept
that nobody is ever going to send you an XP installation CD and
formulate a new plan.

These systems usually supply you with a recovery CD of their own
making and/or a recovery partition on your installed HDD, neither of
which is the same as an XP installation CD.

[Bruce Chambers]

Naveen wrote:
> Hello
>
> My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> The system restore function does not work.
>
> Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
> this from Dell.
>

That had nothing to do with Microsoft; it was entirely Dell's choice.

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. 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."


> Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> reformat my computer.
>

Contact Dell for Recovery instructions, if you've lost the manual that
came with the computer.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Don't blame Microsoft for your casual disregard for security!

Contact Dell Support (or post in Dell forums) to find out how to use the
hidden Recovery partition to do a clean install of Windows. Please note
that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will NOT fix this!

cf. http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps

After the clean install, you'll have the equivalent of a "new computer" so
take care of everything on the following page before otherwise connecting
the machine to the internet or a network and before using a USB key that
isn't brand-new or hasn't been freshly formatted:

5 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/advanced/xppc.mspx

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully patched
(after a clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a
clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

Also see:

Steps To Help Prevent Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/spyware/prevent.mspx

Rogue Security Software - Microsoft Security:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/rogue.mspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002


Naveen wrote:
> Hello
>
> My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> The system restore function does not work.
>
> Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I
> purchased
> this from Dell.
>
> Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> reformat my computer.
>
> Thanks

[Richard Urban]

Microsoft has nothing to do with Dell offering a CD of the operating system.
So, it has nothing to do with Microsoft "in their infinite wisdom"

Why don't you blame those who cause the problem - the computer
manufacturers?

--

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience


"Naveen" > wrote in message
...
> Hello
>
> My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> The system restore function does not work.
>
> Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I
> purchased
> this from Dell.
>
> Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> reformat my computer.
>
> Thanks

[Singapore Computer Service[_2_]]

Hello,

Dell desktops and laptops here come with a Windows XP CD at no extra charge.
It may not be labelled as a Restore CD or it may be labelled as a Windows XP
installation disc. Check the discs that came with your system.

Regards,
Singapore Computer Home Repair Service
http://www.bootstrike.com/ComputerService/
Video Conversion VHS Video8 Hi8 Digital8 MiniDv MicroMv
http://www.bootstrike.com/VHSVideoConvert/
"Naveen" > wrote in message
...
> Hello
>
> My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> The system restore function does not work.
>
> Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I
> purchased
> this from Dell.
>
> Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> reformat my computer.
>
> Thanks

[ju.c[_3_]]

Dell PC's usually come with a restore partition.
If you see a blue www.dell.com bar when you start
your computer then you've got one. Press Ctrl+F11
while the www.dell.com bar is showing. (The Dell
bar lasts for two seconds)


ju.c


"Naveen" > wrote in message ...
> Hello
>
> My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> The system restore function does not work.
>
> Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
> this from Dell.
>
> Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> reformat my computer.
>
> Thanks

[noone[_3_]]

"Richard Urban" > écrivait
:

> Microsoft has nothing to do with Dell offering a CD of the operating
> system. So, it has nothing to do with Microsoft "in their infinite
> wisdom"
>
> Why don't you blame those who cause the problem - the computer
> manufacturers?
>

I think the OP cause the problem himself by not creating the restoration
disks when he got the computer (RTFM)

[smlunatick]

On Jul 27, 9:14*am, "Singapore Computer Service"
> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Dell desktops and laptops here come with a Windows XP CD at no extra charge.
> It may not be labelled as a Restore CD or it may be labelled as a Windows XP
> installation disc. Check the discs that came with your system.
>
> Regards,
> Singapore Computer Home Repair Servicehttp://www.bootstrike.com/ComputerService/
> Video Conversion VHS Video8 Hi8 Digital8 MiniDv MicroMvhttp://www.bootstrike.com/VHSVideoConvert/"Naveen" > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
> > Hello
>
> > My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> > The system restore function does not work.
>
> > Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I
> > purchased
> > this from Dell.
>
> > Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> > reformat my computer.
>
> > Thanks

Dell PCs recently have been delivered with a recovery partition, on
the same hard drive as the system boot drive C:. If / when the hard
drive fails, the recovery system disappears.

[pbj]

On Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:36:01 -0700, Naveen wrote:

> Hello
>
> My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> The system restore function does not work.
>
> Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I
> purchased this from Dell.

Dell's the one who should have offered it. Windows CD's are often
customized a little by computer manufacturers. They like to preload their
own drivers and online documentation and tech support tools, not to
mention all that crapware nobody wants. It's too much for MS to have to
keep track of all those different CD's for all those different computers
for all those different manufacturers.

> Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> reformat my computer.

Contact Dell tech support. They'll usually send you a replacement CD
for a small replacement fee.

Dell sometimes provides regular Windows CD's and sometimes provides a
restore CD. In the latter case, the actual files to be restored are on
about a 5 gigabyte partition of your hard drive and the restore CD just
contains the software necessary to prepare the main partition and
install from the restore partition. Be very careful not to damage that
restore partition or the Dell restore CD may not work for you. Once you
get Windows reinstalled, you should back up the restore partition at the
first opportunity so you'll still have the files if the whole hard drive
ever dies.

If you need the machine for web browsing and other basic stuff, try a
Linux LiveCD while you're waiting. Just run from the CD, don't try to
install Linux lest you accidentally overwrite your restore partition and
lose the ability to reinstall XP. Linux may not recognize your hardware
but it doesn't cost anything to try and if it works for you you'll still
find that LiveCD useful after you get Windows back up. If Windows later
dies or networking goes down, the LiveCD gives you a way to get online
to look up solutions. Also, if you do online banking or purchasing then
Linux LiveCD's, being unwriteable, are pretty much immune to spyware.

There are hundreds of linux distributions to choose from. Your best bet
is probably ubuntu, <http://www.ubuntu.com>. If you need help with it,
just ask in alt.os.linux.ubuntu

[Jon]

Hi,

Looks like you've had lots of unhelpful comments so far.

I have this problem at the moment - I've been given a secondhand laptop with no CDs and the hard
drive had Linux installed on it, and there was no "recovery partition". It had a Windows XP Pro
sticker with a product number on it, so if I can find a XP Pro OEM CD, I can install XP.

I have been asking lots of people that I know if they have a "generic" (ie not branded with Dell,
HP, etc) OEM copy of XP Pro. I'm saying to them even if you don't have one, could you ask your
friends if they have one.

Someone has just told me that they know someone who has, and they will make a copy of it for me
(this probably isn't illegal, since it won't include a product key).

Note that in your case it must be an OEM copy, not a retail copy.

Also note that it must match the version that you have (Home or Pro - tthe sticker with the product
key on it should say which you have).

So, the only advice that I can give you is to ask lots of people who are computer savvy.

Good luck!



"Naveen" > wrote in message
...
Hello

My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).

The system restore function does not work.

Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
this from Dell.

Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
reformat my computer.

Thanks

[Roy Smith[_7_]]

Jon wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Looks like you've had lots of unhelpful comments so far.

How are all the previous comments unhelpful? Practically everyone is
telling him to contact Dell to get a replacement set of CD's or
instructions on restoring using the hidden restore partition.

> I have this problem at the moment - I've been given a secondhand laptop with no CDs and the hard
> drive had Linux installed on it, and there was no "recovery partition". It had a Windows XP Pro
> sticker with a product number on it, so if I can find a XP Pro OEM CD, I can install XP.


You can also contact the company that made the laptop and request a set
of restore CD's. Just tell them your situation, that the drive had been
formatted and Linux installed. You may have to pay a small fee for the
discs but you'll have Windows with all of the necessary drivers for the
hardware in your laptop included.


> I have been asking lots of people that I know if they have a "generic" (ie not branded with Dell,
> HP, etc) OEM copy of XP Pro. I'm saying to them even if you don't have one, could you ask your
> friends if they have one.
>
> Someone has just told me that they know someone who has, and they will make a copy of it for me
> (this probably isn't illegal, since it won't include a product key).
>
> Note that in your case it must be an OEM copy, not a retail copy.
>
> Also note that it must match the version that you have (Home or Pro - tthe sticker with the product
> key on it should say which you have).
>
> So, the only advice that I can give you is to ask lots of people who are computer savvy.
>
> Good luck!
>
>
>
> "Naveen" > wrote in message
> ...
> Hello
>
> My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> The system restore function does not work.
>
> Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
> this from Dell.
>
> Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> reformat my computer.
>
> Thanks
>
>


--

Roy Smith
Windows XP Pro SP3

[Jon]

"How are all the previous comments unhelpful?"
I didn't say all, I said lots. Lots of them gave the frustrated OP a lecture on Microsoft, etc.

"You can also contact the company that made the laptop and request a set of restore CD's... You may
have to pay a small fee... but you'll have Windows with all of the necessary drivers..."
In my opinion, a generic disk is much better. The recovery disk may contain what I consider to be
junk programmes (eg Works, AV). I could install them of course - I did this with my Dell laptop and
had to do a lot of uninstalling. The drivers may well be old so I would need to go to the
manufacturers website to download the most recent versions. XP may well be SP1 with IE6 on the
recovery disk.

I slipstreamed SP3 and IE7 using nlite onto a CD. The disk can also be used for other PCs. I don't
have to wait for the manufacturer to send one or pay a small fee.


"Roy Smith" > wrote in message ...
Jon wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Looks like you've had lots of unhelpful comments so far.

How are all the previous comments unhelpful? Practically everyone is
telling him to contact Dell to get a replacement set of CD's or
instructions on restoring using the hidden restore partition.

> I have this problem at the moment - I've been given a secondhand laptop with no CDs and the hard
> drive had Linux installed on it, and there was no "recovery partition". It had a Windows XP Pro
> sticker with a product number on it, so if I can find a XP Pro OEM CD, I can install XP.


You can also contact the company that made the laptop and request a set
of restore CD's. Just tell them your situation, that the drive had been
formatted and Linux installed. You may have to pay a small fee for the
discs but you'll have Windows with all of the necessary drivers for the
hardware in your laptop included.


> I have been asking lots of people that I know if they have a "generic" (ie not branded with Dell,
> HP, etc) OEM copy of XP Pro. I'm saying to them even if you don't have one, could you ask your
> friends if they have one.
>
> Someone has just told me that they know someone who has, and they will make a copy of it for me
> (this probably isn't illegal, since it won't include a product key).
>
> Note that in your case it must be an OEM copy, not a retail copy.
>
> Also note that it must match the version that you have (Home or Pro - tthe sticker with the
> product
> key on it should say which you have).
>
> So, the only advice that I can give you is to ask lots of people who are computer savvy.
>
> Good luck!
>
>
>
> "Naveen" > wrote in message
> ...
> Hello
>
> My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> The system restore function does not work.
>
> Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
> this from Dell.
>
> Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> reformat my computer.
>
> Thanks
>
>


--

Roy Smith
Windows XP Pro SP3

[smlunatick]

On Aug 4, 10:10*am, "Jon" <-> wrote:
> "How are all the previous comments unhelpful?"
> I didn't say all, I said lots. Lots of them gave the frustrated OP a lecture on Microsoft, etc.
>
> "You can also contact the company that made the laptop and request a set of restore CD's... *You may
> have to pay a small fee... but you'll have Windows with all of the necessary drivers..."
> In my opinion, a generic disk is much better. The recovery disk may contain what I consider to be
> junk programmes (eg Works, AV). I could install them of course - I did this with my Dell laptop and
> had to do a lot of uninstalling. The drivers may well be old so I would need to go to the
> manufacturers website to download the most recent versions. XP may well be SP1 with IE6 on the
> recovery disk.
>
> I slipstreamed SP3 and IE7 using nlite onto a CD. The disk can also be used for other PCs. I don't
> have to wait for the manufacturer to send one or pay a small fee.
>
> "Roy Smith" > wrote in l...
> Jon wrote:
> > Hi,
>
> > Looks like you've had lots of unhelpful comments so far.
>
> How are all the previous comments unhelpful? *Practically everyone is
> telling him to contact Dell to get a replacement set of CD's or
> instructions on restoring using the hidden restore partition.
>
> > I have this problem at the moment - I've been given a secondhand laptop with no CDs and the hard
> > drive had Linux installed on it, and there was no "recovery partition". It had a Windows XP Pro
> > sticker with a product number on it, *so if I can find a *XP Pro OEM CD, I can install XP.
>
> You can also contact the company that made the laptop and request a set
> of restore CD's. *Just tell them your situation, that the drive had been
> formatted and Linux installed. *You may have to pay a small fee for the
> discs but you'll have Windows with all of the necessary drivers for the
> hardware in your laptop included.
>
>
>
> > I have been asking lots of people that I know if they have a "generic" (ie not branded with Dell,
> > HP, etc) OEM copy of XP Pro. I'm saying to them even if you don't have one, could you ask your
> > friends if they have one.
>
> > Someone has just told me that they know someone who has, and they will make a copy of it for me
> > (this probably isn't illegal, since it won't include a product key).
>
> > Note that in your case it must be an OEM copy, not a retail copy.
>
> > Also note that it must match the version that you have (Home or Pro - tthe sticker with the
> > product
> > key on it should say which you have).
>
> > So, the only advice that I can give you is to ask lots of people who are computer savvy.
>
> > Good luck!
>
> > "Naveen" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Hello
>
> > My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).
>
> > The system restore function does not work.
>
> > Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
> > this from Dell.
>
> > Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
> > reformat my computer.
>
> > Thanks
>
> --
>
> Roy Smith
> Windows XP Pro SP3

Did Microsoft "sell" the computer? The company who "made" the
computer (Dell) decided to preinstall a Windows XP Professional onto
the hard drive. They are also "obligated" to provide a method os re-
installing the Windows XP Professional, at a later time. This
requirement does not mean that only a CD can be provided. In recent
years, Dell has "deemed" a hidden recovery partition to meet this
requirement. Unfortunately, Dell never "envisioned" the hard drive
completely failing (or did they???) They also never thought that
users would become "greedy" and decide to remove this hidden partition
(can be done with "advanced" hard drive tools.) They did officially
offer additional "Windows XP" recovery methods at the time the
computer was first sold. Unfortunately, these "additional" methods
were usually add-ons that most "novice" Dell "purchasers" never
explore.

[pbj]

On Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:05:40 -0700, smlunatick wrote:

>
> Did Microsoft "sell" the computer? The company who "made" the computer
> (Dell) decided to preinstall a Windows XP Professional onto the hard
> drive. They are also "obligated" to provide a method os re- installing
> the Windows XP Professional, at a later time. This requirement does not
> mean that only a CD can be provided. In recent years, Dell has "deemed"
> a hidden recovery partition to meet this requirement.

Did Microsoft perchance help this decision along by offering Dell a
discount on the Windows license if the machine shipped without a Windows
CD?

> Unfortunately, Dell never "envisioned" the hard drive completely
> failing (or did they???)

And of course MS never envisioned that if machines shipped without CD's,
a certain percentage of users might end up having to buy Windows
all over again (or did they???)

[pbj]

On Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:43:08 -0500, Shenan Stanley wrote:

> <snipped>
>
> pbj wrote:
>> On Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:05:40 -0700, smlunatick wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Did Microsoft "sell" the computer? The company who "made" the
>>> computer (Dell) decided to preinstall a Windows XP Professional onto
>>> the hard drive. They are also "obligated" to provide a method os re-
>>> installing the Windows XP Professional, at a later time. This
>>> requirement does not mean that only a CD can be provided. In recent
>>> years, Dell has "deemed" a hidden recovery partition to meet this
>>> requirement.
>>
>> Did Microsoft perchance help this decision along by offering Dell a
>> discount on the Windows license if the machine shipped without a
>> Windows CD?
>>
>>> Unfortunately, Dell never "envisioned" the hard drive completely
>>> failing (or did they???)
>>
>> And of course MS never envisioned that if machines shipped without
>> CD's, a certain percentage of users might end up having to buy Windows
>> all over again (or did they???)
>
> Isn't circular logic great... It can just go on and on.

So can passing the buck. It's a great scam, the computer manufacturer
blames MS while MS blames the computer manufacturer, and the customer is
left standing there with his head spinning.

I'm not saying that's the case here because Dell tech support is great
in these situations and I'm sure they'll come through for the OP. I've
dealt with manufacturers who weren't so nice, though.

> Dell did get a discount by choosing to go with OEM licenses. They also
> - in the confines of said agreement - took over the support. Willingly.
> They made a business decision. They took over certain responsibilities
> so they could lower their cost and sell more systems with what they
> thought their customers wanted on them.

The way I look at it:

The computer manufacturer didn't produce Windows, Microsoft
did. Microsoft is also the one who sets licensing fees to encourage
specific behavior by computer manufacturers. So, Microsoft is
responsible for the quality of its product, Microsoft is responsible for
the manufacturer behaviors it deliberately encourages with its pricing
structure, and it's Microsoft's responsibility to see to it that the
consumer gets a complete kit.

Microsoft can subcontract the work, but it can't subcontract
responsibility for its product and for the consequences of its policies.

> Dell also then got to choose how they distributed these OEM licenses
> and how they followed some of the lesser-defined parts. They only had
> to give the customers a way to restore the computer to as-sold - they
> did not have to give the customer an actual installation CD (but they
> will and usually actually gave the customer a choice when configuring
> the system - even if not given, the customer *could* ask and likely
> would have received. Ignorance/excuses. Another game to play?)

That's what set me off here. The OP has a genuinely valid concern. Many
others have had the very same problem and voiced the same complaint.
Yet, people are attacking him for his lack of technical expertise when
Windows is, after all, supposed to be a consumer OS.

> If someone ends up having to buy a Windows XP CD when they have a
> legitimate CoA/product key - that is a lack of knowledge. Not saying
> that this wasn't expected - since there are some businesses that make
> money of ignorance - some legally. Could be - won't argue it is
> possible.
>
> It just goes on and on. The customer could have made a more informed
> decision, could call Dell now and demand satisfaction or not lost their
> original media (if provided.)

The original media may be a restore CD that only boots an basic OS and
then runs the actual restore program off a restore partition. If that
partition is damaged then the restore CD alone isn't enough. If the
partition is still there and you just lack the CD, then sometimes you
can boot into DOS, change to the restore partition, and run the restore
program manually. There may also be an undocumented program on there for
generating your own restore CD.

> Dell could have sold retail licenses or handed out CDs with each
> system and/or had a system of creating media from the installed
> system. Microsoft could have decided not to have differing licensing
> tiers, changed the agreement so that customers have to get a CD,
> etc... Yes - so many possibilities and only one reality.
>
> The OP should...
> 1) Contact Dell, see what they will do for them. 2) Borrow a copy of a
> generic OEM CD from a friend, relative or co-worker and make a copy.
> 3) Backups, safe place - good idea.

[Bruce Chambers]

pbj wrote:
> On Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:05:40 -0700, smlunatick wrote:
>
>
> Did Microsoft perchance help this decision along by offering Dell a
> discount on the Windows license if the machine shipped without a Windows
> CD?
>


Don't know. Do you have any independently verifiable documentation
that suggests they did? If not, I've certainly no reason to think so.



>
> And of course MS never envisioned that if machines shipped without CD's,
> a certain percentage of users might end up having to buy Windows
> all over again (or did they???)
>

Don't know. Do you have any independently verifiable documentation
that suggests they did? If not, I've certainly no reason to think so.

If you've no supporting evidence, take your conspiracy theories elsewhere.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

[pbj]

On Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:46:48 -0600, Bruce Chambers wrote:

> pbj wrote:
>> On Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:05:40 -0700, smlunatick wrote:
>>
>>
>> Did Microsoft perchance help this decision along by offering Dell a
>> discount on the Windows license if the machine shipped without a
>> Windows CD?
>>
>>
>
> Don't know. Do you have any independently verifiable documentation
> that suggests they did? If not, I've certainly no reason to think so.

Don't know, that's why I made it a question rather than a statement.
I've heard rumors from diverse sources that Microsoft does indeed
provide a discount if CD's aren't included that allow at total rebuild
of the hard drive from scratch. Couple those rumors to much worse things
that came to light when MS's secret OEM agreements were exposed during
the DOJ antitrust trial and in civil suits such as the one by BeOS, and
I find it quite believable that they would do so. It's hard to know for
sure, though, unless I can see their current OEM agreements - and I
can't do that because MS wraps those agreements in secrecy clauses.

All that aside, MS didn't get where they're at by missing opportunities.
If it makes money, you can bet they're doing it. If I were a big MS
investor and they didn't go after these extra profits, I'd probably sue
them.

>> And of course MS never envisioned that if machines shipped without
>> CD's, a certain percentage of users might end up having to buy Windows
>> all over again (or did they???)
>>
>>
> Don't know. Do you have any independently verifiable documentation
> that suggests they did? If not, I've certainly no reason to think so.

Now let's put back the part that prompted my statement:

>>> Unfortunately, Dell never "envisioned" the hard drive completely
>>> failing (or did they???)

How come you didn't raise the same objection there? Why would it only
matter to you when it's Microsoft's reputation that's being questioned?

[Bruce Chambers]

pbj wrote:
>
>
> Now let's put back the part that prompted my statement:
>
>>>> Unfortunately, Dell never "envisioned" the hard drive completely
>>>> failing (or did they???)
>
> How come you didn't raise the same objection there?


Given the so-called "quality" of Dell's Consumer support divisions, I
wouldn't be the least bit surprised to learn that they never anticipated
a hard drive failure. Hence, no objection.


> Why would it only
> matter to you when it's Microsoft's reputation that's being questioned?

When all you have is unsubstantiated rumor that runs contrary to my
experiences, I'll question what you say about any company.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

[pbj]

On Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:13:36 -0600, Bruce Chambers wrote:

> pbj wrote:
>>
>>
>> Now let's put back the part that prompted my statement:
>>
>>>>> Unfortunately, Dell never "envisioned" the hard drive completely
>>>>> failing (or did they???)
>>
>> How come you didn't raise the same objection there?
>
>
> Given the so-called "quality" of Dell's Consumer support divisions, I
> wouldn't be the least bit surprised to learn that they never
> anticipated a hard drive failure. Hence, no objection.

How odd. I've used Dell a lot, recommend it to friends, and have always
found their tech support to be excellent.

>> Why would it only matter to you when it's Microsoft's reputation
>> that's being questioned?
>
> When all you have is unsubstantiated rumor

Would you like me to list all the nasty "unsubstantiated rumors" about
MS that eventually turned out to be true?

> that runs contrary to my experiences, I'll question what you say about
> any company.

So you are confirming that based on your experiences, Microsoft does not
provide discounts to Dell if they withhold CD's capable of being used to
install Windows on a replacement hard drive? What specific experience is
this based on? Are you privy to Microsoft's OEM pricing policies and OEM
agreements? Why not post them so we can put these "unsubstantiated
rumors" to rest?