What to do when a customer wants a clean install but has no media?

[Feesir]

This may sound like a noob question, but here goes. If a customer just wants a clean install of Windows XP, Vista, or 7 and has a legitimate key on the computer, but no recovery disc or partition, what would you do? Is the only option to buy the restore disc for the specific computer?

 

[thebige]

This may sound like a noob question, but here goes. If a customer just wants a clean install of Windows XP, Vista, or 7 and has a legitimate key on the computer, but no recovery disc or partition, what would you do? Is the only option to buy the restore disc for the specific computer?

You're absolutely correct this is a noob question. I hate to come straight out of the gate saying that but this topic is all over these forums. I quick search would reveal that fact.

However, to answer the question, buy a copy of the original install media. There are other options out there, just FYI and I suggest reading other posts about this topic to learn more.

 

[Feesir]

I thought I already established the fact that it was probably a noob question, but thanks for verifying.

Before posting I did a search for "clean install" and didn't see much pertaining to the exact questions I have. Although I admit I didn't search every comment of all 500+ topics that were brought up.

So, there is no way to purchase some OEM discs from Microsoft that could be used to install Windows as long as they have a cd-key? I've also read a little about the "System Builder" versions, are these a good alternative?

 

[rsarceno]

This may sound like a noob question, but here goes. If a customer just wants a clean install of Windows XP, Vista, or 7 and has a legitimate key on the computer, but no recovery disc or partition, what would you do? Is the only option to buy the restore disc for the specific computer?

Here a site where you can purchase restore CD/DVD.
http://www.restoredisks.com/default.aspx

 

[Martyn]

Here a site where you can purchase restore CD/DVD.
http://www.restoredisks.com/default.aspx

I've used them a few times, shame it's not in the UK. I normally get them around the two week mark.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

We rebuild more systems without customer provided restore disks than we do with their restore disks.

If the COA is legible on the case....or....I can still read his existing hard drive and use a tool like magic jelly bean to read his current installation code...I will use our own OEM installation media with their key to reinstall their system.

 

[Feesir]

Thanks YeOldeStonecat, so where do I go about collecting the OEM software? I'm sure I'll eventually need copies of Windows XP Home, XP pro, Vista, and 7. Also, would I need separate OEM copies for each version of Vista and 7?

 

[Paul Rodgers]

Thanks YeOldeStonecat, so where do I go about collecting the OEM software? I'm sure I'll eventually need copies of Windows XP Home, XP pro, Vista, and 7. Also, would I need separate OEM copies for each version of Vista and 7?

Nope Vista and 7 have all versions on one disc.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Thanks YeOldeStonecat, so where do I go about collecting the OEM software? I'm sure I'll eventually need copies of Windows XP Home, XP pro, Vista, and 7. Also, would I need separate OEM copies for each version of Vista and 7?

You'll build up a good collection pretty quickly as time goes on and you deploy/work on lots of computers.
Pay attention for the customized Dell and HP ones that make reinstalling easy, they're rather universal...peel the install key from the BIOS as you reinstall.
If you're in a rush to get some, get them directly from Microsoft.
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/salesmarketing/pages/media-replacement.aspx

 

[wiz329]

I may not be understanding exactly what you are looking for, but can't you just download the ISO from microsoft for the version of windows the customer has, then just burn it to a CD or DVD?