I have 2 questions for you all.

[ibamars]

1. When you are doing a virus scan. do you do a full scan of a quick scan? I am asking due to a previous post I just read.

2. Reinstalling Windows. I guess I am a little confused still on this and have done some research but I must be thick on the matter.

If for some reason I have to do a reformat of a customers computer and they do not have their CD that came with the computer. I have my own copy of Windows XP and want to install that on there computer. I Must purchase a license from Microsoft, correct? I know I cant use the one that came with it.

Also, Do you go and buy the retail CD's to reinstall for the customer? If not what do you use and where can I obtain these CD's so I am not going out and purchasing these CD's for the customer.

Hope it makes sense I am really having a hard time grasping this part for some reason.

Thanks

 

[Methical]

From what I have gathered it doesn't matter whether the CD is an original or not, it all depends on the key. Look for the sticker on the side of the case. Or underneath the laptop. As long as they have that you should be sweet. As far as your CD's go, slipstream your original with all the latest SP's and Windows Updates. Plenty of threads on this topic. Have a digg around.

 

[greggr]

is this business (professionals) or amateurs section ?

i understand with all that bad economy stuff, people want to make some money repairing computers but if your profession is selling cars you cannot call your self a technician by asking questions to the forums.

Every day i see more questions from users than from fellow technicians.

 

[ChrisQC]

I am new here myself, look at my post count, but have already started noticing a lot of posts from people who ask the kind of questions a customer would be asking me.

 

[ThatGeekGuy]

is this business (professionals) or amateurs section ?

i understand with all that bad economy stuff, people want to make some money repairing computers but if your profession is selling cars you cannot call your self a technician by asking questions to the forums.

Every day i see more questions from users than from fellow technicians.

Not sure I understand the angst here. Let's for a moment assume he is not a professional by the legal sense, then how is he to attain that status if the answers he needs to promote himself to a "professional" are being ridiculed? It's a catch-22. He's here to learn like the rest of us.

 

[MSgherzi]

There's nothing wrong with asking questions. I personally think their newbie questions, but I've asked questions which are considered newbie questions to others. People need to be willing to help others sometimes otherwise what is the point in ever having forums to help people?

Anyway, it doesn't matter on the disk. Look for the sticker on the case. In the case of a generic tower with no sticker, you're pretty screwed. I just had a case with a custom built pc with no sticker and I just used the key that came with my genuine Windows XP disk from Microsoft. If you don't have some sort of disk, any disk, then yes you'll have to buy something. If you have even just an OEM you got from Dell or something then it'll still work but use ImgBurner and BACK up the disk because I recently had an issue with a high speed drive which shattered my XP re-installation disk but luckily I had two others.

Also, if you're on-site, do a quick scan, otherwise if you have the machine with you, do the deepest, fullest scan possible because unless they desperately need it back the next day, then you've got a couple of days to scan. Also, use UBCD4Win or something similar (but UBCD4Win is better).

 

[ibamars]

To all who have tried to help thanks!!

Greg and Qub, if you don't like the question then don't reply!!! This is an open forum if not mistaken and we all do not have the years of knowledge and training you have.

Some of us here are still learning!!

Thanks again for being rude!!!

 

[TimeCode]

Greg and Qub, if you don't like the question then don't reply!!! This is an open forum if not mistaken and we all do not have the years of knowledge and training you have.

Some of us here are still learning!!

Thanks again for being rude!!!

Ibamars,

I want you to understand that this is a forum for computer professionals or those who are starting computer businesses.

What is Technibble? Technibble is a resource for computer technicians who are looking to start their own computer business or improve their existing one. Technibble also provides an amazing place for technicians to help other technicians via our forums.

As clearly stated in the above paragraph which can be found here, it is a place for technicians. If you are a tech, we welcome you with open arms and apologize for any perceived rudeness. If you are an end user looking for help, please look here, here or here.

Please understand that you are not being attacked so much as we are just trying to keep our beloved forums free from tech-support seekers.

 

[ibamars]

Timecode,

I understand 100%. I am on the verge of starting a computer repair business and am trying work out a few bugs. There are a few things Legal wise I am still trying to understand and thats why I was asking.

I appreciate 100% where some of the people come from. If I have a problem where I needed some support I would definitley post it in the appropriate section.

Thanks for your reply, and my apologies to the underlying people I flamed. When I came back to see if anyone answered, I really got ****** with what I read.

Again thanks for all who replied. I have learned alot from this forum and will definitley continue using it.

Scott

 

[TimeCode]

Timecode,

I understand 100%. I am on the verge of starting a computer repair business and am trying work out a few bugs. There are a few things Legal wise I am still trying to understand and thats why I was asking.

Excellent. I'm glad to hear (read?) that and I hope you enjoy the forums here. And good luck with your new venture. At times it'll be a bumpy ride but its definitely worth it.

 

[purple_minion]

I have to say something here, and perhaps it will come off as rude. It's not meant to be as you are interested in trying get into the industry, it would be different if you were an end user. Anyway, you should definately look at all the threads in the business/legal section, read all the articles, and then reread them. It has been covered before on here, quite recently in fact. You will learn A LOT, as I certainly did.

No one wants to answer the same questions over and over, perhaps if there is a legal case against a company or some other new information then a new thread it alright. I understand your issues with being legal as it's very important for a business, so don't take offense at what I said.

It will take several days to go through all the info just on the business stuff here, but it will be worth it, trust me.

 

[geeksmobileusa]

Ultimate Boot CD has a keyfinder that will let you pull the serial key from even dead windows installations. Get it + isos for all the windows versions and move on to the real problems in this business - like collecting payments on time, getting a good website, hiring (AND RETAINING) good employees - etc. If your biggest worry is stuff like this you shouldn't worry about it - you're too small for anyone to sue. The reality is noone is going to care anyway whether you install pirated stuff or legal things. If your free time is occupied with stuff like this, you're going to really struggle with the rest of your business.

 

[geeksmobileusa]

Or you can spend your time researching things that will grow your business in significant ways rather than trying to come up with elaborate solutions to tiny problems. The solution I gave solves it legally. The point to take is - sweat the small stuff - but sweat the big stuff 100x more .

No I don't have to worry about this - the jellybean keyfinder, oem copies of windows xp, common sense, and a liability policy all alleviate the worries. When I was starting out I was worried about much more important things.

And yeah spinning your wheels over the small stuff - you'll make it - in 10 years. Or you can take my advice and make six figures 2 years from now.

 

[geeksmobileusa]

Everything is big stuff if you're an idiot or have a tendency to think 83424242 steps ahead. Solve simple problems with simple solutions and they won't become BIG problems. Then move on to what are REALLY big problems. That's how you succeed in business - IMHO.

ACG apparently you have a stick stuck up your rectum that just won't come out. Get over it.

 

[purple_minion]

Geeks, you come across a little strongly. You can have you opinion, however none of us are lawyers and so our advice is just that, advice. He has every right to NOT break the law. In fact I read today in the paper about the IRS and state going after a SMALL TIME GLASS SHOP in a town here of 13000. Yeah, you can be small and fucked. ****, look at all the movie and music companies suing 12 year olds for one song downloaded. WAKE UP! The OP should be worried about all the legal things because they will come and take EVERYTHING, and then try and take more. The only issue I have is that these topics were already covered and he should do some homework before asking the same question again, if things are still unclear then another thread is warranted... however it still is not LEGAL advice from someone who actually KNOWS THE LAW.

 

[jj2000]

The reality is noone is going to care anyway whether you install pirated stuff or legal things

Jeez I cannot believe i am seeing this coming from someone who is purporting to be a professional in this field,how can you possibly condone the use of pirated software especially in a nation that is prone to litigation for the smallest infringement, Surely as a business owner it is you who should care whether or not the stuff that you are doing is legal and above board.