Re: problem with OEM / Microsoft responsibility

From: Bruce Chambers (bruce_a_chambers_at_h0tmail.com)
Date: 02/06/05 

Date: Sun, 06 Feb 2005 13:59:14 -0700

TR wrote:
> I am trying to restore a few default fonts (Arial and Courier New) on my
> Windows XP Pro system which I bought from HP. The PC (an e-PC 42) came
> bundled with a Windows XP Pro system image CD; HP tech support tells me that
> individual system files cannot be restored from the image CD, and that my
> only option is to restore a pristine system image -- the same as what came
> out of the box -- and reinstall every piece of software and system update
> I've installed since then. There is no emoticon that suffices here.

        I'd agree with you there. That's why one must be very careful about
choosing an OEM system.

        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, like Dell and Gateway, do
provide a full OEM installation CD, that does permit custom
installations and repairs. However, many uncaring OEMs, such as Compaq,
HP, and Sony, in an effort to save pennies and reduce their support
costs by having to hire support people that can 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."
        

> I have a
> legit (albeit OEM) Win XP Pro license. What are my support options through
> Microsoft?

        None, or at least very limited. Microsoft doesn't support OEM
installations; that's the sole responsibility of the computer manufacturer.

> Can I obtain a copy of Win XP Pro for the cost of the media,
> since I already have a license?

        Only from HP. Microsoft cannot distribute HP OEM CDs, which is what
you have a license to use.

> HP says they cannot sell me one.

        Actually, that should read "HP will not....." It's entirely their choice.

> Can I
> download the font files I need from a Microsoft "system recovery" server?

        I don't know if it's possible to download individual fonts, or not. I
somehow doubt it. However, it should be a simple enough matter to copy
the fonts desired/needed from a friend's WinXP machine onto a floppy
disk, and then to your machine. It would even be possible for someone
to email you the fonts. 

-- 
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having 
both at once. - RAH

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