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Re: [LUG] New Computers

 

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.

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