Restalling Operating Systems

[JosephH]

Hi all,

I have a question about doing a clean install for clients. I have my own disks XP, Vista (all versions), 7 (all versions).

What do you do RE installation keys?

Does the client usually have the original documentation with the key on it - if not what do you do then? Does the client ever have to end up purchasing a new key?

Cheers

 

[RahmTech]

Product License

Windows Product Keys are most generally located on their computer case somewhere.

We perform OS reloads daily and we just use the product key found on the case. If there is no product key supplied, the customer is required to purchase a legal copy of Windows before we install it.

 

[JosephH]

Ah cheers I figured that was the case

 

[vdub12]

Hi all,

I have a question about doing a clean install for clients. I have my own disks XP, Vista (all versions), 7 (all versions).

What do you do RE installation keys?

Does the client usually have the original documentation with the key on it - if not what do you do then? Does the client ever have to end up purchasing a new key?

Cheers

Not to be rude but how long have you been working on computers? Have you ever noticed the sticker on the side of the case?

 

[JosephH]

About 7 years - I was more asking that in the event there is no CD key available is the only solution to ask them to pay for a new license

 

[Morrison5891]

Not to be rude but how long have you been working on computers? Have you ever noticed the sticker on the side of the case?

More, and more new people on here everyday just asking for help! Its starting to turn into a place for end users... I could be wrong... but thats what i'm seeing

 

[vdub12]

About 7 years - I was more asking that in the event there is no CD key available is the only solution to ask them to pay for a new license

No, you can always retrieve the key from the registry.

There are many ways, if its a cookie cutter like a Dell you can use a factory restore disk and it does not ask for a key.

I find that most of my customers use cookie cutter computers and they all have valid licenses. One way or another there is a way to get the original key. I have found that most people using pirate copy's of windows are ether to cheap to hire me to fix there computers or don't need my services anyway.

 

[vdub12]

More, and more new people on here everyday just asking for help! Its starting to turn into a place for end users... I could be wrong... but thats what i'm seeing

And the questions from most of them are like Tech 101 from people that claim to have multiple years of experience.

 

[Morrison5891]

And the questions from most of them are like Tech 101 from people that claim to have multiple years of experience.

It kills me... I'm gonna start a topic "What happened to out forums"

 

[vdub12]

It kills me... I'm gonna start a topic "What happened to out forums"

Every once in a while one of the regulars goes on a rant about it.

I agree it gets tiring holding hands with someone that does not know the basics.

Maybe there should be two tech forums. One that is for proven techs that want to talk to other proven techs and another for newbies. Then if any of the techs want to help out newbies they can. Otherwise its kind of aggravating when you are flipping though threads and there all totally basic problems.

Example:

Title:
Major USB problem

Body:
My rear USB works but my front USB doesn't.

Its like come on are you kidding me.

 

[Elemdee]

And the questions from most of them are like Tech 101 from people that claim to have multiple years of experience.

Or a question that has been asked and answered in previous threads....just to be asked again in a newly started thread by someone who joins the same day...clearly not searching first...

 

[vdub12]

Or a question that has been asked and answered in previous threads....just to be asked again in a newly started thread by someone who joins the same day...clearly not searching first...

This is true to, like how many times have people asked if they can use a different restore CD with the customers COA.

 

[Kitten Kong]

</rant on> It almost makes you think, that we need another way of ensuring that only techs are able to register here. Apart from a check box, stating that you are a tech.

Also why do people not use the search function.. its clearly there up on the top..

Sorry off my soap box now. , and a +1 to vdubs suggestion re separate forums. </rant off>

 

[Martyn]

I think it is a good idea and can easily be incorporated into Vbulletin forum software just by creating a new group. Call the new group say Business Owners and membership would be more than 100 posts for example. Most end users will get a fix for their problem and never be seen again so would never make the group and most business owners/technicians will knock up 100 posts in no time.

 

[Kitten Kong]

How about suggesting it in the suggestions forum vdub? You have the makings of a good idea here imo.

 

[Corbin]

Easy way to end these threads is to ignore the op and not even reply to them, or do what you did here and change the subject.

You guys see that truck that had that sweet green red rust look out in the ocean the other day? I walk past it when I jog the japan.

 

[JosephH]

To be honest I'm a bit offended - I have worked with computers for approx 7 years and have self thought myself.

I regurarly fix computers for other people and thought it would be a good idea to take it to the next level as I outlined in my introduction post.

I wanted to know the etiquette as to reinstalling OS and I feel the thread has been hyjacked because the question was a basic IT repair mans question. Yes it may seem a stupid question to most of you, but I'm sure at some stage you wondered it aswell.

 

[Xander]

I have worked with computers for approx 7 years and have self thought myself.

"I think therefore I tech."

 

[Vicenarian]

You know, it does seem like a n00b question, but honestly, when reading in my A+ study book, not once did it mention how to retrieve product keys (via software) when reinstalling an OS...

But yeah, a google search could have come up with some answers too:

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=retrieve+product+key+windows&aq=f&aqi=g4&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Google is an amazing tool.

 

[vdub12]

You know, it does seem like a n00b question, but honestly, when reading in my A+ study book, not once did it mention how to retrieve product keys (via software) when reinstalling an OS...

But yeah, a google search could have come up with some answers too:

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=retrieve+product+key+windows&aq=f&aqi=g4&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Google is an amazing tool.

I honestly don't give much credit to the compTA tests. I have talked to many people with A+ certs that where complete idiots when it came to technology.

I think the only true way to be a tech is to learn by doing.

I think some times people exaggerate there experience. For instance a person with 7 years experience you would think has worked on multiple computers a day for 7 years. Not one computer every 3 or 4 months over a 7 year period.