Windows download for re-install

[pandabear]

Hi
I often get a PC/Laptop off a customer that needs a OS re-installation. More often than not they have no recovery partition and no Windows disks. Where can I download all windows versions i.e XP home/Pro Vista all versions, I am under the impression that if you have a Win7 disk it will install the correct version for the product code you enter is this so ? If yes, then Win 7 is covered.
Thanks in advance
PB

 

[Rob_NNCC]

Tech Net subscription...
And yes, some vista and win7 disks let you choose what version you wish to install.

 

[Encrypted Existence]

Please use the search function as this question has been asked literally hundreds of times on this forum. Short answer: If you don't have recovery media that is specific to a machine you need to either order the recovery media from the manufacturer or purchase a new license for Windows. Anything else is against the M$ EULA.

 

[Kitten Kong]

Thanks trusted. OP, there is a sticky under the microsoft windows sub forum. Can I suggest that you have a look there. All info can be found there.

 

[Xander]

A thread on "How can I get all versions of Windows?" already? It must be Monday.

 

[ajc196]

http://en.community.dell.com/suppor...t-windows-and-microsoft-office-downloads.aspx

You can edit the ei.cfg for 7/Vista to make all-in-one install discs, make them accept certain key paths, etc.

 

[NWPhotog]

Please use the search function as this question has been asked literally hundreds of times on this forum. Short answer: If you don't have recovery media that is specific to a machine you need to either order the recovery media from the manufacturer or purchase a new license for Windows. Anything else is against the M$ EULA.

That's of course letter of the law vs spirit of the law. It is not what the vast majority of techs do nor would I recommend such.

 

[cypress]

http://en.community.dell.com/suppor...t-windows-and-microsoft-office-downloads.aspx

You can edit the ei.cfg for 7/Vista to make all-in-one install discs, make them accept certain key paths, etc.

Which is something I have actually done myself. Works quite well for me. Have put it to good use lately within the past couple of weeks.

 

[nlinecomputers]

That's of course letter of the law vs spirit of the law. It is not what the vast majority of techs do nor would I recommend such.

It is not even what Microsoft has said on it's own website. Trying to find the link (which might be gone again.) but Microsoft has stated so long as the copy is legal you can use any disk. They have also stated the opposite. The reality is I've NEVER heard of Microsoft suing any tech for providing a disk to user that has a valid OEM sticker on the side of the machine.

Ripping disks and using keygen programs yes they will have you arrested. But not for getting a client who was legal back online.

 

[Xander]

It is not even what Microsoft has said on it's own website. Trying to find the link (which might be gone again.) but Microsoft has stated so long as the copy is legal you can use any disk. They have also stated the opposite. The reality is I've NEVER heard of Microsoft suing any tech for providing a disk to user that has a valid OEM sticker on the side of the machine.

There's a stickied thread, I believe at the top of the Windows forum. Could you find that URL to cite that and add it to that thread? Until then, there's been a lot of citations to the contrary.

 

[Kitten Kong]

It is not even what Microsoft has said on it's own website. Trying to find the link (which might be gone again.) but Microsoft has stated so long as the copy is legal you can use any disk. They have also stated the opposite. The reality is I've NEVER heard of Microsoft suing any tech for providing a disk to user that has a valid OEM sticker on the side of the machine.

Ripping disks and using keygen programs yes they will have you arrested. But not for getting a client who was legal back online.

Sorry, but where ever you have received this info from is incorrect. I have had a great amount of dealings with the Microsoft licensing department. What you have posted is 100% incorrect.

The stickier thread Xander has mentioned, is what I know and can prove without doubt to be correct, citations if needed. Everything on that thread has been copied directly from the Microsoft site.

I know of at least 3 technicians, who have been 'caught' with ms mystery shoppers, and have had their hands severely slapped. Again I have proof of this should you require it.

I wrote that thread, in order for the correct answers to be given, instead of heresay and speculation. And to aid stopping the same questions from being asked on a literally weekly basis.

 

[mraikes]

..... snipped....

I know of at least 3 technicians, who have been 'caught' with ms mystery shoppers, and have had their hands severely slapped. Again I have proof of this should you require it....snipped...

I'd like to see the info on the Microsoft mystery shoppers and hand-slapped techs. Not because I doubt you, just interested in the details.

 

[Kitten Kong]

No worries. I'll dig the details out later, just off out on site.