[ Date Index ] [ Thread Index ] [ <= Previous by date / thread ] [ Next by date / thread => ]
On Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:30:13 +0100 Rob Beard wrote: > Hmmm... I'm not convinced about Windows 7 being a doddle to install > in all cases. Sure if you've got a machine which has been built to > your spec and you have a standard OEM Windows 7 disc with CD key > which has been activated to the machine (or a retail disc, upgrade > disc) then it's reasonably easy. > > However... if you have say a branded machine with restore disc (Acer, > HP etc) and want to do a clean install of Windows 7 (or Vista/XP) > then it can be a pain. Mainly because the restore images generally > come with a load of junkware (Norton or McAfee Anti-Virus, Office > 2010 Trial etc). If you try and use a standard OEM or retail disc > you'd probably find it wouldn't work, certainly with XP, although > it's easier to get round with Vista and Windows 7. This is because > the machines activate against the machine BIOS (see > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Locked_Preinstallation for more > info). I've never had an issue with SLPed systems. I have installed vanilla Windows systems using the license key on the existing sticker. Automatic activation fails, automatic activation by phone fails but non-automatic activation by talking to someone at Microsoft has never failed. It's a hassle, but it's a freephone number so at least it's not a costly issue. Grant. -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG http://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/listfaq