Re: new computer

From: Barry Watzman (WatzmanNOSPAM_at_neo.rr.com)
Date: 08/24/04 

Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2004 12:05:38 -0400
To: BRODERP <UseLinkToEmail@WindowsForumz.com>

LOTS of PC makers no longer ship disks with their computers .... at all
.... period.

Microsoft does require PC makers to provide a way for customers to
reinstall Windows.

Often, this involves "hidden partitions" on the hard drive that have
installation files. A way is provided to boot into these partitions and
  reinstall, but you can't modify the partitions or do a "normal" copy
of their contents in most cases (in fact, when running normally, you
can't even see that the partition exists).

Obviously, this doesn't help if the hard drive fails. So some
manufacturers offer a way to "make your own" CDs from this partiton as
well. Everything varies from mfgr. to mfgr. and sometimes from model to
model.

In any case, however, most of the time, the main windows drive (C:, most
commonly) has an "I386" folder on it. This folder, which usually has
the setup programs (WINNT.EXE and WINNT32.EXE) is just about as good as
a regular retail CD. Burn this to a CD and you can reinstall Windows
from that CD (you will need a bootable floppy with CD support, or you
will need to make the CD bootable).

BRODERP wrote:

> "achand5121" wrote:
> > I have a new computer (Sony Vaio), I have had it a week and
> > have decided that
> > I would like to start again with loading files and programs,
> > what’s the best
> > way to put the computer back to its original state. I don’t
> > have any cds or
> > disks since I bought the prepacked deal.
>
> If you bought in NEW, you should have at least a RECOVERY CD to
> install from.
>
> Most Companies like DELL, SONY have a licence agreement to distribute
> a "hacked" version (read:MODIFIED) of Windows that is specific to
> there PC and hardware.
>
> Your PC HAD to have come with it, if not then I would question the
> validity of your licence to use windows. See your dealer and demand
> the disks (You should have discs for ALL software preloaded on your
> PC!!) or get your money back.
>

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