Friday: 15.April.2005

Dell no longer includes Windows CD with their PCs

The new computer I ordered earlier this week arrived today. (Refer to entry for the 11th of April.) First thing I noticed is that Dell no longer includes a Windows CD. I mean, they include all these other CDs, which no one really cares about. They even install programs I begged them not to install, such as AOL (AO Hell), MusicMatch Jukebox and a dozen other krapware trials.

But the one CD I'd really like to have (in case I ever need to re-install the OS), they stop including. Instead, they include a chinchy piece of cardboard, shaped like a CD, which says:

••• continued •••

Your new computer does not require an operating system CD or drivers CD. Instead, if you ever need to reinstall your software, use one of the following methods:

1. Microsoft Windows System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files.

2. Dell PC Restore returns your computer to its original state.

To learn more about creating or obtaining a copy of your operating system CD or drivers for your computer, visit support.dell/pcrt.

So I get on the horn & call 'em up. I mean, if you pay extra for Windows XP Pro, they ought to at least include a CD in the shipment. They include a "restore" partition at the end of the disk, but what if the hard drive dies?

After playing detective and annoying half the Dell support group, I learned they offer a utility that allows you to create *one* back-up copy of your OS, which I did, after which the utility magically disappears. But what about the folks who don't do this. I mean, it was only after digging around and being obnoxious that I learned about this (hidden) option.

What if somebody didn't create the back-up CD and their hard drive died? .. And they had no Windows CD to reinstall from? Would they have to call Dell and grovel for a CD? (that they already paid for)?

Anyway, the new computer is sitting on my desk, right beside the RAD beast. I now have two 17-inch flat-panel monitors sitting side by side. Two computers sit on the floor, one on each side of the desk. The power is flowing thru me. Feels good.

I've already repartitioned the hard drive into 30+30+60+30 (160-GB total), and made a preliminary back-up image .. on my way to "Radifying" it. So far I like what see. Pretty zippy little box.

[Comments closed due to problems with s*p*a*m*m*a*g*e.]





Posted by Rad at April 15, 2005 10:47 AM

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