K so I am new to the computer repair business and I have used my windows cd to "make the computer like new" thing. Anyways with people who want windows reinstalled or recovered or repairs or whatever.. Where do you get these CDs? Do you need a new copy of the windows CD? Can you reuse that same windows CD even if I have already installed windows on another computer?
windows boot disks?
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NeutronTech
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I think you need to learn how to do more than just "make the computer like new" before you think about going into business.
To answer your question: If you have to ask this, your not ready.
xxsilk109xx
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Now I am not the smartest on this site by any means, but I do agree, that you need to do A LOT more research and practice with some spare computers until you can at least get the basics figured out.
Google the following info and it will help.
What is the difference between OEM and Retail versions of Windows?
Check this site for Boot Disks that people recommend, then google it, download it, and play with it on your computer, if your unsure of something, google how to use the tool thats on the boot disk.
Do a lot of reading on this site to learn what tools and methods people use, I would spend a lot of time in the tech to tech help section, just reading problems and solutions. I would set up a virtual machine on your computer to test boot disks.
Learn manual virus removal. Just google how to manually remove vista antivirus and start from there and see how to manually remove them.
I would also join micorsoft technet, that is the source for all the retail disks you will ever need, just dont sell the cd keys and youll be ok.
good luck!
Google the following info and it will help.
What is the difference between OEM and Retail versions of Windows?
Check this site for Boot Disks that people recommend, then google it, download it, and play with it on your computer, if your unsure of something, google how to use the tool thats on the boot disk.
Do a lot of reading on this site to learn what tools and methods people use, I would spend a lot of time in the tech to tech help section, just reading problems and solutions. I would set up a virtual machine on your computer to test boot disks.
Learn manual virus removal. Just google how to manually remove vista antivirus and start from there and see how to manually remove them.
I would also join micorsoft technet, that is the source for all the retail disks you will ever need, just dont sell the cd keys and youll be ok.
good luck!
Xander
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A reinstall should never be mistaken for a repair. It's not. It means, for one reason or another, you've given up and can't do it any other way. With a few exceptions, if I have to reinstall, I consider it a failure.
While you're starting up, ask the customer for their CDs relevant to the computer (Windows+Drivers). Make copies of the CDs (but not their serials). Aim to have a disc for each SP version and learn what "slipstreaming" is. Most of you installs might be, say, XP SP3 but repairs (e.g. SFC) are best done with a match to the existing SP level.
Your last question is an indicator of your readiness. It shows a complete lack of understanding of how things work. Not trying to sound harsh but being direct.
vdub12
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While I agree with most of what you are saying I have to disagree about a reinstall being a repair. There are many situations where a reinstall is the only option. Not only because of a badly damaged os or even hard drive failure but also for economic reasons if the repair would exceed the value of the machine.
The problem is to many pizza techs use a reinstall as the fix all so it has been given a bad name. However, I do a number on reinstalls and in some situations its in the customers best interest.
Xander
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You saw the part where I wrote "with a few exceptions", right?
vdub12
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Yes but lately I have noticed that I nuke more computers then a fix. Many where for bad hard drives but I also get a few failed vista service packs and other problems that the fix would cost double what my flat rate is to nuke it.
alright so i am not "certified" at all but I do know alot more than i come off to know. They only reason I am asking about the boot CDs is because i have never doen it on someone elses computer. I didnt know if for a repair you need the CD that was for that computer. Id do know the difference between repair and reinstall. The best answer was from the person who said make a copy clients CDs but not the serials.
geekhelp4u
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I am going to have to agree with vdub here... Yes it feels heroic to get to the root of an issue and repair the machine... but really? At the end of the day - lets say this is a laptop running Vista. It is infected with malware and has bloat-ware still running from the day it was purchased.
Do you spend time cleaning the temp files, remove the nasties manually, run malware scans to be sure (with scans running for several hours), remove the junk software, updating windows etc...
Or do you spend about an hour running a backup of the drive, 45 minutes installing Vista, install office (if they had it), ct-update the updates, install what few third party software items they actually use - and then restore their data?
Sometimes (and I would say about 30% of the time) it just makes more economical sense to nuke and pave.
Is reinstalling a repair? Did it work when they brought it in? No. Does it work after a reinstall? Yes.. sounds like a repair to me!
Don't get me wrong - I prefer to do manual virus removal and get to the root of issues... but at the end of the day you may spend a lot more time trying to be the "Hero".
Do you spend time cleaning the temp files, remove the nasties manually, run malware scans to be sure (with scans running for several hours), remove the junk software, updating windows etc...
Or do you spend about an hour running a backup of the drive, 45 minutes installing Vista, install office (if they had it), ct-update the updates, install what few third party software items they actually use - and then restore their data?
Sometimes (and I would say about 30% of the time) it just makes more economical sense to nuke and pave.
Is reinstalling a repair? Did it work when they brought it in? No. Does it work after a reinstall? Yes.. sounds like a repair to me!
Don't get me wrong - I prefer to do manual virus removal and get to the root of issues... but at the end of the day you may spend a lot more time trying to be the "Hero".
Agree a "reinstall" is not a failure by any means.
This will actually save you sometimes from repeats. After thinking you removed the virus and everything is working to your knowledge the customer gets home and launches "WOW" (Example) his add-ons dont work! Or connects his printer and it doesn't print.
He calls and says hes bringing the pc back because there seems to be a bug still.
I can understand cleaning out a few viruses. My rule of thumb is if the pc has more than 12 infections i recommend a wipe. Sometimes they just want them removed and we do. Personally if my system was this infected I would want my PC re-done so i can ensure my data and network are safe. Just my 2 cents...
This will actually save you sometimes from repeats. After thinking you removed the virus and everything is working to your knowledge the customer gets home and launches "WOW" (Example) his add-ons dont work! Or connects his printer and it doesn't print.
He calls and says hes bringing the pc back because there seems to be a bug still.
I can understand cleaning out a few viruses. My rule of thumb is if the pc has more than 12 infections i recommend a wipe. Sometimes they just want them removed and we do. Personally if my system was this infected I would want my PC re-done so i can ensure my data and network are safe. Just my 2 cents...
onederlnd
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To fully answer your questions before these fine folks get off on a tangent and this gets lost somewhere in the mix:
Anyways, to answer your question, you can use an OEM copy of Windows to reinstall the operating system. The OEM version is essentially a stripped down copy (without all the bloated, preinstalled software) of the Windows OS. This allows us tech's to reinstall Windows on a computer and then use the clients valid CD key.
And yes, this is 100% legal as long as you are using a VALID (and the CLIENTS original) CD key to reinstall the operating system on the computer.
I would suggest working on a separate computer before working on someone else's. If you do work on someone else's computer don't get in over your head, if you don't know, ask and research. Also, don't work on someone else's computer that you don't know (only friends and family that know you're a beginner) until you are completely comfortable with doing the work.
There is a ton of good resources on Technibble to take a look at and it's highly recommended that you spend a few hours looking at all that is available here, including a list of OEM downloads.
First just want to say that I do agree with the others, the first statement of "make the computer like new" as well as the last question shows a very large lack in knowledge. You say you know more than you come off too, but you should at least know the correct terminology if you have the knowledge. I wouldn't suggest going into 'business' until you have gained enough knowledge and confidence to not have to ask questions like that.
Anyways, to answer your question, you can use an OEM copy of Windows to reinstall the operating system. The OEM version is essentially a stripped down copy (without all the bloated, preinstalled software) of the Windows OS. This allows us tech's to reinstall Windows on a computer and then use the clients valid CD key.
And yes, this is 100% legal as long as you are using a VALID (and the CLIENTS original) CD key to reinstall the operating system on the computer.
I would suggest working on a separate computer before working on someone else's. If you do work on someone else's computer don't get in over your head, if you don't know, ask and research. Also, don't work on someone else's computer that you don't know (only friends and family that know you're a beginner) until you are completely comfortable with doing the work.
There is a ton of good resources on Technibble to take a look at and it's highly recommended that you spend a few hours looking at all that is available here, including a list of OEM downloads.
RegEdit
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Buy 'em off ebay, rip 'em and then re-sell them (unused product key and all). Some people suggest getting them off torrents, but I would never play Russian Roulette on a customer's computer with a torrent copy of Windows. You need XP home OEM, XP pro OEM, XP Media Center Edition OEM, Vista (any edition) 32-bit OEM, Vista (any edition) 64-bit OEM, and finally all Windows 7 OEM editions in 32 and 64 bit. This way, if the customer's recovery partition is damaged or if they lost their Windows CD, then you can use YOUR Windows CD's to reinstall. When you reinstall Windows, you use the CUSTOMER'S Windows product ID - not yours.
Everyone else is right that you need to learn how to repair. Reinstalling is a last resort unless the customer has no data and other stuff to migrate (rare). It may take you perhaps 24 - 48 hours of just research PER JOB learning how to repair computers.
Repairing computers is 5% classroom study and 95% forums & self-help web page study.
Also it takes like 5 YEARS to build a small freelance computer repair business. Expect 1 customer a month in the beginning. Are you sure you want to do this?
daeemann
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Ok. This is how it works for windows OS's.
Get a technet subscription and you get all Windows OS's
For WIN XP:
You need both cd's, Home and Pro (32-bit, home user aren't going to be using the 64-bit version for XP)
The technet version is a retail version. You go into Setupp.ini file and change last 3 digits in Pid to OEM. This allows the disk to accept OEM keys. It will accept System Builder OEM keys and the COA key on the sticker of a Direct OEM computer. Usually, a COA key of a Direct OEM computer can only be activated once online, and thereafter, will require phone activation, or you may have to speak to Microsoft. The key extracted using jelly bean keyfinder on a Direct OEM computer will not work. This key is different from the one on the sticker and is used by the manufacture to install several computers at once without requiring activation.
For Preactivation: (to use the key extracted using keyfinder on a Direct OEM)
Before reformatting the drive save these 4 Oembios files
%SystemRoot%\system32\OEMBIOS.BIN
%SystemRoot%\system32\OEMBIOS.DAT
%SystemRoot%\system32\OEMBIOS.SIG
%SystemRoot%\system32\CatRoot\{F750E6C3-38EE-11D1-85E5-00C04FC295EE}\OEMBIOS.CAT
compress them with MAKECABE, then copy and replace the ones already in the i386 directory of the disk.
These 4 oembios are specific to each manufacturer. In fact, HP using a different set of oembios files, depending whether it's a compaq or pavilion.
In this case, use key from keyfinder and not from COA sticker and don't allow it to try to activate online.
If this is a Direct OEM computer, in which the motherboard supports SLP 1.0, it should work.
Get a technet subscription and you get all Windows OS's
For WIN XP:
You need both cd's, Home and Pro (32-bit, home user aren't going to be using the 64-bit version for XP)
The technet version is a retail version. You go into Setupp.ini file and change last 3 digits in Pid to OEM. This allows the disk to accept OEM keys. It will accept System Builder OEM keys and the COA key on the sticker of a Direct OEM computer. Usually, a COA key of a Direct OEM computer can only be activated once online, and thereafter, will require phone activation, or you may have to speak to Microsoft. The key extracted using jelly bean keyfinder on a Direct OEM computer will not work. This key is different from the one on the sticker and is used by the manufacture to install several computers at once without requiring activation.
For Preactivation: (to use the key extracted using keyfinder on a Direct OEM)
Before reformatting the drive save these 4 Oembios files
%SystemRoot%\system32\OEMBIOS.BIN
%SystemRoot%\system32\OEMBIOS.DAT
%SystemRoot%\system32\OEMBIOS.SIG
%SystemRoot%\system32\CatRoot\{F750E6C3-38EE-11D1-85E5-00C04FC295EE}\OEMBIOS.CAT
compress them with MAKECABE, then copy and replace the ones already in the i386 directory of the disk.
These 4 oembios are specific to each manufacturer. In fact, HP using a different set of oembios files, depending whether it's a compaq or pavilion.
In this case, use key from keyfinder and not from COA sticker and don't allow it to try to activate online.
If this is a Direct OEM computer, in which the motherboard supports SLP 1.0, it should work.
daeemann
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Windows Vista and 7:
Windows Vista ultimate has all versions of Vista already on disk.
Windows 7 does to, but you have to make a change to allow it to choose between each version. Google it, you'll find it.
Both Vista and 7 should accept OEM keys without having to do anything "extra".
To Preserve Preactivation (trickier than XP):
Before formatting drive and reinstalling windows:
We are going to extract the windows certificate from the tokens.dat file.
Download a hexeditor, first.
Then open file
C:\windows\serviceprofiles\networkservice\appdata\roaming\microsoft\softwarelicensing\tokens.dat
using the hex editor.
locate <?xml version="1.0" encoding="uft-8"?>
locate "</r:license>"
This is the beginning and end of the file. Copy and paste into new file using hex editor.
Make sure the body of the new file contains the phrase "OEM Certificate".
Also make sure the file size is exactly 2731 bytes.
Name the file something useful, with the extension .xrm-ms
That's your Windows Certificate.
Use keyfinder to get the product key.
Reinstall windows. Don't enter the product key and don't allow to activate online.
Open elevated command prompt and type:
slmgr.vbs -ilc windowscertificate.xrm-ms
slmgr.vbs -ipk product key
Done.
Note: For Vista, motherboard should support SLP 2.0. For Windows 7, motherboard needs to support SLP 2.1 for preactivation to work.
Windows Vista ultimate has all versions of Vista already on disk.
Windows 7 does to, but you have to make a change to allow it to choose between each version. Google it, you'll find it.
Both Vista and 7 should accept OEM keys without having to do anything "extra".
To Preserve Preactivation (trickier than XP):
Before formatting drive and reinstalling windows:
We are going to extract the windows certificate from the tokens.dat file.
Download a hexeditor, first.
Then open file
C:\windows\serviceprofiles\networkservice\appdata\roaming\microsoft\softwarelicensing\tokens.dat
using the hex editor.
locate <?xml version="1.0" encoding="uft-8"?>
locate "</r:license>"
This is the beginning and end of the file. Copy and paste into new file using hex editor.
Make sure the body of the new file contains the phrase "OEM Certificate".
Also make sure the file size is exactly 2731 bytes.
Name the file something useful, with the extension .xrm-ms
That's your Windows Certificate.
Use keyfinder to get the product key.
Reinstall windows. Don't enter the product key and don't allow to activate online.
Open elevated command prompt and type:
slmgr.vbs -ilc windowscertificate.xrm-ms
slmgr.vbs -ipk product key
Done.
Note: For Vista, motherboard should support SLP 2.0. For Windows 7, motherboard needs to support SLP 2.1 for preactivation to work.
RegEdit
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Bravo DaeeMann!
Now if someone has a newer method than this on ( http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/230249-sliptream-vista-sp2.html ) to slipstream a Vista disc to SP2 please post that as well! I tried the linked method and it failed on me twice.
Now if someone has a newer method than this on ( http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/230249-sliptream-vista-sp2.html ) to slipstream a Vista disc to SP2 please post that as well! I tried the linked method and it failed on me twice.
I like the tip about making sure that both the computer and CD you are using to repair it with have the same service pack. Using a SP3 XP CD has caused me headaches when repairing an XP SP2 machine.
I can't remember exactly what it was, but I think it was Internet explorer went from version 8 originally, then to 6 on the repair, then would not upgrade again and Windows Update would not work either. Hmm... How did I fix that? I should really keep notes!
I can't remember exactly what it was, but I think it was Internet explorer went from version 8 originally, then to 6 on the repair, then would not upgrade again and Windows Update would not work either. Hmm... How did I fix that? I should really keep notes!
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