Windows software for re-install

[elsteef]

Hi all,

I am wondering the steps everyone takes when doing a Nuke and Pave on a clients machine. Or even a Windows Repair install for that matter.

Right now I tell the client that if they do not have the software I cannot reinstall. It seems like I am in the minority on this.

How do you get the software media for reinstall?
I have seen the posts with links to download the Win 7 media from DigitalRiver. I have been trying for days to get the downloads with no luck. It continually disconnects. I have tried from three different locations so I know it's not my internet connection....

Also, how are you reinstalling Office? How do you determine what version is installed?

Here is how I am doing it now:
1. First I run hardware checks on the PC using Inquistor.
2. Clone the drive with CloneZilla to my NAS. Backup Profile with Fabs.
3. Capture Product keys with SIW or ProduKey.
4. Do whatever repairs are required (Virus removal, harware replacement etc)
5. (This is where I have problems) Do Windows Repair or Reinstall.

I look forward to hearing how everyone else is doing things.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[4ycr]

If I need to reinstall I don't install their other software, unless it's a business client and they are paying for it.

Over time I have gotten a lot of installers but if I don't have it and I can't get it legally then I don't do it. I just say I don't have the software to install it and they should contact the supplier to see if they can get replacement media.

 

[Xander]

If they've got their CDs, I have no problem installing their software. Most only have one or two titles they're worried about so pressing NextNextFinish is no big deal.

If they don't have it, 4ycr's answer is spot on. We're not their software repository. If I have it, great; if I don't, not my problem.

Tip: As they bring you their CDs, make an ISO and save it. Not their serial, of course, just the disc. That will build up a library over time.

 

[altrenda]

When I do a reinstall, I try to leave the computer configured as close to the way I got it as possible, software, desktop, email, printers, network, etc. If they don't have the license or disk for a program then we will purchase it for them.

It's no different than replacing hardware. If they need a new drive or keyboard, we install that, why not software. I would never tell them to get it themselves. We try to provide a full service, not just computer repair. When I leave, the client should be able to sit down and start working. It sets us apart from the Geeks/Office Depot guys that just want to nuke and pave and send you on your way.

I bill at least 2 hours for a complete reinstall, plus parts and software.

 

[katz]

DigitalRiver is good, I got a lot from there. maybe there is something going on w/ their server right now, because normally downloads are fine from there...keep at it.

There is a link on MSoft that will allow you to download office products as well; I don't have it on this pc, but search from MSOft for it, you should be able to find it.

Input their key when installing, works fine.

 

[FoolishTech]

Also, how are you reinstalling Office? How do you determine what version is installed?
...
3. Capture Product keys with SIW or ProduKey.

both of those apps that you are already using should tell you which version is installed.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

When I do a reinstall, I try to leave the computer configured as close to the way I got it as possible, software, desktop, email, printers, network, etc. If they don't have the license or disk for a program then we will purchase it for them.

It's no different than replacing hardware. If they need a new drive or keyboard, we install that, why not software. I would never tell them to get it themselves. We try to provide a full service, not just computer repair. When I leave, the client should be able to sit down and start working. It sets us apart from the Geeks/Office Depot guys that just want to nuke and pave and send you on your way.

That's the way we look at it also!

OP, over time...your stack of software CDs will build.

 

[elsteef]

Thanks everyone

Thanks to everyone that provided a response.

It sounds like our procedure is in line with most everyone else. I think I have some pre-conceived notions from listening to some of the tech podcasts. Everyone talks about a windows reload like "it ain't no thing".
I usually avoid it as long as possible....

@foolishtech- Those programs do tell you the version of the software, but not the license type (VL, OEM, Retail). That is where I have most of my frustrations. I have to say the recent versions of Windows and Office don't seem to have quite the same issues. Unfortunately I work in mainly office environments and they are typically a few versions behind. I probably still see more XP than Win7 each day.

Thanks again!
Steve

 

[Whitman]

What is fabs?

I know this is most likely a stupid question but I have heard mention of "Fabs" a few times now and I was just wondering if someone could let me in on what it is?

**edit I did find it thank you everyone.**

 

[nlinecomputers]

Microsoft Action Pack with Technet. Access to dang near everything that M$ produces.

 

[BillMoney]

only things I won't charge to reinstall: Adobe Flash/Reader, Alternate Browser, Drivers (DUH!), Security Software, Office. Anything else they want installed will require further payment. - Side projects

Now if we are talking my retail job - I will not charge for drivers, adobe, or alternate browser, I will add 1 additional charge of $29.99 for office and anti virus

Quickbooks I charge to reinstall

 

[Cornerstone Technologies]

only things I won't charge to reinstall: Adobe Flash/Reader, Alternate Browser, Drivers (DUH!), Security Software, Office. Anything else they want installed will require further payment. - Side projects

Now if we are talking my retail job - I will not charge for drivers, adobe, or alternate browser, I will add 1 additional charge of $29.99 for office and anti virus

Quickbooks I charge to reinstall

Do you charge for Windows Updates?

 

[trevm999]

My issue with buying and installing software for people is that some companies are requiring you to setup account with them. These accounts are aimed at the end user and require specific information about them. We will only do this at the person's request, and otherwise do not offer it. It is a bit of a hassel to get all the correct information from from the customer, then the product key gets (and sometimes download link) gets emailed to the customer.

 

[BillMoney]

Do you charge for Windows Updates?

Do not at either job

 

[elsteef]

Buying the missing software can make a quick reinstall that I'm charging $149 to do turn into a $400-500 ordeal. I hate to do that when the client has a valid Product Key and just no installation media.

@nlinecomputers- I do have an action pack subscription but it only has a few of the titles. No Student/home office versions of Office. Only Upgrade versions of Windows OS etc....It comes up short in almost every situation where I need to install software on a clients PC.
I'm not sure about the software available with Technet.

@YeOldeStonecat- I have been working on my library. Just in the last few days I've started using Virtual CD (Pay software) to create ISO using the "Restore Disk Creation Utility" that Dell and HP and including on their computers. That way I can burn the image directly to an ISO and don't have to create a DVD first. Especially important when more and more of the budget PC's don't include a DVD burner.

Thanks for all the comments. I live seeing how other people are doing things. It opens my eyes to many new possibilities.

Steve

 

[nlinecomputers]

@nlinecomputers- I do have an action pack subscription but it only has a few of the titles. No Student/home office versions of Office. Only Upgrade versions of Windows OS etc....It comes up short in almost every situation where I need to install software on a clients PC.
I'm not sure about the software available with Technet.

On most versions of Office from 2007 and up are universal. All you need is the product key and it will install the correct version.

Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 either are or can be modified to make universal copies that will let you install any version depending on the product key used. Google it. With the action pack and some minor prep work you should have any copies you need.

 

[altrenda]

My issue with buying and installing software for people is that some companies are requiring you to setup account with them. These accounts are aimed at the end user and require specific information about them. We will only do this at the person's request, and otherwise do not offer it. It is a bit of a hassel to get all the correct information from from the customer, then the product key gets (and sometimes download link) gets emailed to the customer.

It can be a bit of a hassel, but we bill for our time. If the client wants to do it themselves fine, but most would rather we do it and set it all up.

We use a form that the client fills out for contact info, etc. Either they buy it online or we buy it and register it to them, and they either forward the email to us or we use our own address.

Apple stuff is a little different, because buying from the App Store requires an AppleID to get updates and reinstalls. If we are not onsite for the client to login, we use the client's ID. One guy changed his password while we worked on his system and changed it again after we were done.

It's all part of the service, and not charging to install and configure software and marking up a little when appropriate is leaving money on the table. Someone has to install it, so it might as well be us.

 

[mm201]

My issue with buying and installing software for people is that some companies are requiring you to setup account with them.

If it's an elderly client who's not particularly computer savvy I'll typically do things like setting up accounts to make things easier for them.