OEM Branded Copies are not legal to sell 3rd party Aka without the COA and NOT FROM DELL.
The current OEM System Builder License allows system builders to distribute Windows desktop operating system licenses in the following ways:
Unopened OEM System Builder packs (1-, 3-, or 30-packs) can be distributed to other system builders by themselves. Note that they must remain unopened so the receiving system builder can accept and be bound by the break-the-seal license agreement that is affixed to the pack.
There is nothing illegal about selling a computer system without an operating system. However, getting the operating system preinstalled is your customer's most cost-effective way to acquire a genuine Windows operating system license. A customer who subsequently wants to install a Microsoft Windows desktop operating system on that naked PC will need to acquire it through the retail (full packaged product) channel which is a more costly option. Full Windows operating systems are not available through any Microsoft Volume Licensing program, and an OEM operating system license cannot be transferred from an "old" PC to a new one.
Q. Can I create my own recovery disks and sell these with the computer systems that I build? I have heard that direct OEMs can do this, so why can't I?
A. No. System builders may not offer a recovery solution with removable media (e.g., a recovery CD) because it is prohibited by the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License.
However, system builders can offer a hard disk recovery solution in addition to, but not as a replacement for, the CD.
The right to create recovery media is limited to the OEMs(Dell) with direct agreements; however, these OEMs are also bound by other contractual obligations.
After an OEM software license has been installed on a PC, the license may not be installed on or transferred to another PC. However, the entire PC may be transferred to another end user along with the software license rights. When transferring the PC to the new end user, the software media, manuals (if applicable), and Certificate of Authenticity label must be included. It is also advisable to include the original purchase invoice or receipt. The original end user cannot keep any copies of the software.
Use "Image Backup" software to create a set of DVD(s) to be used to recover/restore XP. Some of the trial versions a fully functional and allow you to create not only the XP restoration DVD but also the need boot CD used to start the recovery process.
Creating a Full System Backup Using Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0
1 Click then click All Programs, click Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0 and click Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0.
2 Click Back up your files then select Full System Backup.
3 To backup immediately, click
Backup Now
.
To select the location to backup to, or to schedule regular backups, click
Edit Plan
and continue to the next step.
4 Select the location to save your backup to.
You can save your backups to your hard drive, to a rewritable CD/DVD using a CD/DVD burner, or to an external memory device like a 16 GIG or Larger USB memory key or USB hard drive. If an external device you want to save to is not listed, make sure it is plugged in securely then click
Refresh
.
Once your location is selected, click
Next
.
5 To create a backup immediately, select I will manually backup my system and click
Next
.
To set a backup to be run at a later time, or to schedule a regularly occurring backup, click Backup my system automatically (recommended) and specify the time and date(s) to run the backup then click
Next
.
6 To change any selections, click
Back
.
If you chose to schedule a recurring backup and would like to start an initial backup now, click Start this backup now.
Once satisfied with your selections, click
Finish
.
Additional Information: Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0
Refer to the following links for additional information on Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0.
Free alternatives: EASEUS Todo Backup Home V2 (Note: Install Todo and then create an "Emergency Disk" before you start creating your first image backup) http://www.todo-backup.com/
If the original recovery media is not present, an end user can contact the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the PC to obtain the appropriate recovery media for a fee—subject to availability. Second-hand recovery media is sometimes offered for sale by individuals in various forums and markets. Purchasing media from unknown sources is not recommended as it introduces the risks of copyright infringement, improper licensing and infected/corrupted or incomplete software.
"Note that getting legal advice from a free public forum is probably worth exactly what you pay for it."
The legal statements in the above post come from Microsoft not from me personally.
With an emphasis on education, engineering and enforcement, Microsoft seeks to protect its customers from counterfeiting and piracy — and ensure people get what they pay for. If customers ever question the legitimacy of their software, be it a shrink-wrapped product or recovery media, they are advised to visit http://www.howtotell.com to learn more and, if they have any doubt, report the suspicious software to Microsoft.
Tips from customers and partners are vital in helping Microsoft address piracy. Microsoft encourages anyone who receives suspicious software to call the company’s anti-piracy hotline at (800) RU-LEGIT (785-3448).
Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
The COA is a sticker or a label that is attached to the retail packaging for products such as Windows, Office, or Windows Server. A COA should always accompany the product with which it is associated. COAs cannot be purchased separately. COA features the product name printed on the label and typically contains 3D Voiles™ and security threads. 3D Voiles are circular shaped areas where the COA varies in thickness and where an interwoven thread appears at the surface. Some older products contain Port-Holes™ and security threads (Port-Holes are small holes in the COA itself with uneven edges).
Product key label
The product key label is an orange label that accompanies the installation CD/DVD and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for a product and contains a 25-character product key. The words "Proof of License" appear on the label. The proof of license label cannot be purchased separately.
New Installation CD/DVD
Many Microsoft products on CD and DVD include holographic security features to help ensure you receive authentic product and to protect against counterfeiting.
Microsoft packaged software products such as Windows, Office, and Windows Server come on a holographic CD or DVD, commonly referred to as an edge-to-edge hologram disc, which shows vibrant color and 3D effects as the disc is tilted. This hologram is embedded within the disc; it is
not a sticker.
There is also an inner mirror band hologram located on the inner part of the back (data) side of the DVD. It changes color as the disc is tilted.
Hologram Sticker
Note: The copper holographic material is embedded within the DVD and is not a sticker. If the hologram peels away, you may have received counterfeit software (report counterfeit software to Microsoft).
With the latest product releases on CD or DVD from Microsoft, additional optical security features can be seen from both sides of the disc, near the inner hole of the disc and along the outer edge. The features are embedded within the disc; they are
not on a sticker. When the disc is flipped over, any text or numbers will be seen as a mirror image of the reverse side.
On the thin Outer Mirror Band (OMB) ring, there is an area that shows “Microsoft” changing to the word “Genuine” as you slightly tilt the disc from left to right.
In the Inner Mirror Band (IMB) area there is a large triangle element with a point towards the outer edge of the disc. There is also a small corresponding triangle on the thin OMB band, facing the much larger IMB version. These two triangles should be in direct alignment with each other.
Packaging
When viewing packaging, simple things like spelling errors, blurry text and images, or poor print quality can help you identify counterfeit software. Incorrect logos and photos that don’t quite correspond to the product you’re purchasing can also provide clues that something isn’t quite right.
View features included with genuine Xbox games, such as inner mirror band holograms and the Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
Inner mirror band hologram
Look for the hologram appearing around the center hub area of the Xbox game discs. Each authorized Xbox game disc has a hologram around the center hub that displays the Xbox logo.
Xbox Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
To confirm that you have a genuine Xbox game, look for the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) affixed to the opening edge of the game case.
Packaging
When viewing packaging, simple things like spelling errors, blurry text and images, or poor print quality can help you identify counterfeit Xbox games. Incorrect logos and photos that don’t quite correspond to the product you’re purchasing can also provide clues that something isn’t quite right.
TOU Violation. Having said that I do not believe it is illegal for to sell the disks that they do, however it is potentially illegal for you to use them. The type of disk that they sell does not include a license for use. The license is your problem. Virtually every Dell is sold with a license to use a Windows operating system of a particular flavor (Windows 98, XP, Vista etc). As long as you use the same version of the operating system that you are licensed for then you should be perfectly legal. If you try to install a different version that you are licensed to use it will probably work without any need to activate but you would running the software without a legitimate license. But the most absurd part of a place like restoredisk.com is that they pray on the ignorance of may Dell users who could obtain free replacement disks by completing this form:
TOU Violation. Having said that I do not believe it is illegal for to sell the disks that they do, however it is potentially illegal for you to use them. The type of disk that they sell does not include a license for use. The license is your problem. Virtually every Dell is sold with a license to use a Windows operating system of a particular flavor (Windows 98, XP, Vista etc). As long as you use the same version of the operating system that you are licensed for then you should be perfectly legal. If you try to install a different version than you are licensed to use it will probably work without any need to activate but you would running the software without a legitimate license and that would not be legal. But the most absurd part of a place like restoredisk.com is that they pray on the ignorance of Dell users who could obtain free replacement disks by completing this form:
If you recently purchased a Dell computer with the Windows 7
operating system and have DataSafe Local 2.0 on your system, you can create a
set of Recovery Discs that contain a complete copy of all software installed on
your Dell computer.
How do I know if DataSafe Local 2.0 is on my system?
Click on start menu
Click on all programs
Click Dell DataSafe folder
Click Dell DataSafe Local
Backup
For more information about DataSafe Local please see the
following Dell articles:
Dell Customers can now request a set of backup discs containing
the factory-installed operating system as well as the device drivers and
utilities specific to your system.
Requests are limited to one (1) set of backup discs per system
purchased.
The backup discs requested must match the operating system that
was factory installed on the original
order.
Please note that Dell will provide you the most up to date
Resource disc available. This disc contains the latest drivers and diagnostic
tools currently being shipped on new systems. Due to the frequent updates, this
Resource disc may not have all the drivers needed for your specific system,
especially if it is over one (1) year old.
To ensure that you have the correct drivers for your system, we
strongly suggest that you download your drivers from our web site.
If you are considering an operating system reinstall, please
click here for an alternative.
To proceed with requesting these backup discs, please fill out
the request form below and click
Submit to continue.
Depending on your systems warranty status or if more information
if needed, you may be asked to contact Dell by phone or schedule a time when
Dell can contact you by phone.
Important Note:
If you have a question about Enterprise (PowerEdge Servers,
PowerVault Storage) product media, please complete the form at this link:
http://www.dell.com/enterpriseemail
-Select One-Missing/Damaged/Lost Media - System is working fineNeed Media for Troubleshooting - System has errors and is not working normallyOther (Please, specify below)
Insert the exact error message displayed (if any) or detail your request reason.
Unfortunately there is no policy stated on dell.com that details if or when any charge for replacement disc may apply. However I can confirm that I have recently obtained replacement discs from Dell without charge for out of warranty machines that I did not originally purchase as I like to legally rebuild old Dells and give them to charity with a complete set of recovery discs so that the new owner has a complete solution. So don't believe everything you read here, particularly when it is stated without any reference to substantiate it. ----------------------------------------
TOU Violation Having said that I do not believe it is illegal for to sell the disks that they do, however it is potentially illegal for you to use them. The type of disk that they sell does not include a license for use. The license is your problem. Virtually every Dell is sold with a license to use a Windows operating system of a particular flavor (Windows 98, XP, Vista etc). As long as you use the same version of the operating system that you are licensed for then you should be perfectly legal. If you try to install a different version than you are licensed to use it will probably work without any need to activate but you would running the software without a legitimate license and that would not be legal. But the most absurd part of a place like restoredisk.com is that they pray on the ignorance of Dell users who could obtain free replacement disks by completing this form:
YES, Dell has a policy on replacement discs. If media was not originally supplied with the system, they will provide replacement disc FOC. Otherwise, they will charge a nominal fee.
For what it is worth, the recent replacement discs that I obtained free of charge from Dell were for a Dimension 3100 that had been supplied with a Windows XP CD but the original XP CD was damaged and unusable. They did not challenge me with any questions about the whereabouts or condition of the original media. Nor did they request any payment. They kindly sent the replacement discs and did so with incredible speed. This of course does not mean what you say about Dell having a policy, but it does suggest that this mysterious policy which is not stated on the Dell website as far as I know is not consistent with what they actually do.
, YES, Dell has a policy on replacement discs. If media was not originally supplied with the system, they will provide replacement disc FOC. Otherwise, they will charge a nominal fee.
Keep in mind that your Windows license is on your PC. So any Dell OS disc that matches the OS that came with your machine will work, regardless of whether you borrow or buy one.
I have asked our Dell Legal team to look into this. The fact that they are questioning the site must mean that Dell has an issue with it. So, on our Forum, we will not allow users to broadcast the site. I am tabling this discussion and locking the thread.
Now, on to Forum manners. You may disagree with each other but you may not passively/aggressively attack each other through the use of bolding, underline, font size, etc.
fireberd
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
33.3K Posts
0
April 16th, 2012 04:00
I have no idea. But, the only official Dell site for US cusomers to obtain discs is HERE
marky8790
22 Posts
0
April 16th, 2012 04:00
No where it is mentioned if this is legal or not legal.
speedstep
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
47K Posts
0
April 16th, 2012 08:00
is not legal.
RobinBredin
3.7K Posts
0
April 16th, 2012 09:00
To sell dell disc's, they have to sell dell hardware. Like this company HERE, who gives a dell mouse as part of the order.
speedstep
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
47K Posts
0
April 16th, 2012 11:00
OEM Branded Copies are not legal to sell 3rd party Aka without the COA and NOT FROM DELL.
The current OEM System Builder License allows system builders to distribute Windows desktop operating system licenses in the following ways:
Unopened OEM System Builder packs (1-, 3-, or 30-packs) can be distributed to other system builders by themselves. Note that they must remain unopened so the receiving system builder can accept and be bound by the break-the-seal license agreement that is affixed to the pack.
There is nothing illegal about selling a computer system without an operating system. However, getting the operating system preinstalled is your customer's most cost-effective way to acquire a genuine Windows operating system license. A customer who subsequently wants to install a Microsoft Windows desktop operating system on that naked PC will need to acquire it through the retail (full packaged product) channel which is a more costly option. Full Windows operating systems are not available through any Microsoft Volume Licensing program, and an OEM operating system license cannot be transferred from an "old" PC to a new one.
Q. Can I create my own recovery disks and sell these with the computer systems that I build? I have heard that direct OEMs can do this, so why can't I?
A. No. System builders may not offer a recovery solution with removable media (e.g., a recovery CD) because it is prohibited by the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License.
However, system builders can offer a hard disk recovery solution in addition to, but not as a replacement for, the CD.
The right to create recovery media is limited to the OEMs(Dell) with direct agreements; however, these OEMs are also bound by other contractual obligations.
After an OEM software license has been installed on a PC, the license may not be installed on or transferred to another PC. However, the entire PC may be transferred to another end user along with the software license rights. When transferring the PC to the new end user, the software media, manuals (if applicable), and Certificate of Authenticity label must be included. It is also advisable to include the original purchase invoice or receipt. The original end user cannot keep any copies of the software.
speedstep
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
47K Posts
0
April 19th, 2012 06:00
Use "Image Backup" software to create a set of DVD(s) to be used to recover/restore XP. Some of the trial versions a fully functional and allow you to create not only the XP restoration DVD but also the need boot CD used to start the recovery process.
Creating a Full System Backup Using Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0
1 Click
then click 
All Programs, click 
Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0 and click 
Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0.
2 Click
Back up your files then select Full System Backup.
3 To backup immediately, click
.
To select the location to backup to, or to schedule regular backups, click
and continue to the next step.
4 Select the location to save your backup to.
You can save your backups to your hard drive, to a rewritable CD/DVD using a CD/DVD burner, or to an external memory device like a 16 GIG or Larger USB memory key or USB hard drive. If an external device you want to save to is not listed, make sure it is plugged in securely then click
.
Once your location is selected, click
.
5 To create a backup immediately, select
I will manually backup my system and click
.
To set a backup to be run at a later time, or to schedule a regularly occurring backup, click
Backup my system automatically (recommended) and specify the time and date(s) to run the backup then click
.
6 To change any selections, click
.
If you chose to schedule a recurring backup and would like to start an initial backup now, click
Start this backup now.
Once satisfied with your selections, click
.
Additional Information: Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0
Refer to the following links for additional information on Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0.
What is Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0? Article ID: 353560
Creating Your System Recovery Discs with Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0 Article ID: 353561
Restoring Your Dell Computer to Original Factory Installation with Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0 Article ID: 353562
Creating a Backup Using Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0 Article ID: 353563
Restoring from a Backup Using DataSafe Local Backup 2.0 Article ID: 353564
Upgrading To Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0 Professional Article ID: 353565
Frequently Asked Questions: Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0 Article ID: 353566
**********************************************************************************************
Norton Ghost version 15 - has a 30 day trial available
http://www.symantec.com/norton/ghost
Supports: CDR/RW, DVD+-R/RW, Blu-Ray devices,USB and FireWire® (IEEE 1394) devices,Iomega® Zip® and Jaz® drives
(Note: Trial does not allow you to create a Bootable Restore CD which you will need to restore the image)
http://www.symantec.com/norton/downloads/trialsoftware/register.jsp?pvid=ghost15
User's Guide: ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/products/ghost/15/manuals/ngh_15_user_guide.pdf
Acronis True Image 2011 - has a fully functional 30 day trial version available,
(Note: Install Acronis and then create a bootable Restore/Rescue Media CD before you start creating your first image backup)
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/
Version Comparison: http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/comparison.html
True Image User Guides and documentation:
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/download/docs/
Product Review
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/384118/review/norton_ghost_15.html
Ghost 15 screen shots:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Back-Up-and-Recovery/Symantec-Norton-Ghost.shtml
Product Review Acronis True Image Home 2011:
http://www.whatsabyte.com/P1/ATI_2010_Review.html
http://www.allacronis.com/acronis-true-image-home-review.php
Acronis True Image Seagate Edition (Disc Wizard)
http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/discwizard
Acronis True Image Western Digital (WD) Edition
http://support.wdc.com/product/downloaddetail.asp?swid=119&wdc_lang=en
Also copying disk to disk with Norton Ghost
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/powerquest.nsf/docid/2004111701520562?OpenDocument&src=hot&prod=Norton+Ghost&ver=10.0&csm=no&seg=hho
Free alternatives:
EASEUS Todo Backup Home V2
(Note: Install Todo and then create an "Emergency Disk" before you start creating your first image backup)
http://www.todo-backup.com/
Untested alternatives
Reflect Disk Imaging:
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp
Paragon Backup & Recovery Free Edition:
http://www.paragon-software.com/home/db-express/download.htm
speedstep
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
47K Posts
0
April 19th, 2012 06:00
If the original recovery media is not present, an end user can contact the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the PC to obtain the
appropriate recovery media for a fee—subject to availability. Second-hand recovery media is sometimes offered for sale by individuals in
various forums and markets. Purchasing media from unknown sources is not recommended as it introduces the risks of copyright
infringement, improper licensing and infected/corrupted or incomplete software.
"Note that getting legal advice from a free public forum is probably worth exactly what you pay for it."
The legal statements in the above post come from Microsoft not from me personally.
Microsoft Takes Legal Action Against U.K. Retailer Comet
With an emphasis on education, engineering and enforcement, Microsoft seeks to protect its customers from counterfeiting and piracy — and ensure people get what they pay for. If customers ever question the legitimacy of their software, be it a shrink-wrapped product or recovery media, they are advised to visit http://www.howtotell.com to learn more and, if they have any doubt, report the suspicious software to Microsoft.
Tips from customers and partners are vital in helping Microsoft address piracy.
Microsoft encourages anyone who receives suspicious software to call the company’s
anti-piracy hotline at (800) RU-LEGIT (785-3448).
Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
The COA is a sticker or a label that is attached to the retail packaging for products such as Windows, Office, or Windows Server. A COA should always accompany the product with which it is associated. COAs cannot be purchased separately. COA features the product name printed on the label and typically contains 3D Voiles™ and security threads. 3D Voiles are circular shaped areas where the COA varies in thickness and where an interwoven thread appears at the surface. Some older products contain Port-Holes™ and security threads (Port-Holes are small holes in the COA itself with uneven edges).
Note: The copper holographic material is embedded within the DVD and is not a sticker. If the hologram peels away, you may have received counterfeit software (report counterfeit software to Microsoft).
Look for the hologram appearing around the center hub area of the Xbox game discs. Each authorized Xbox game disc has a hologram around the center hub that displays the Xbox logo.
To confirm that you have a genuine Xbox game, look for the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) affixed to the opening edge of the game case.
e.r.a.
63 Posts
0
April 19th, 2012 06:00
TOU Violation. Having said that I do not believe it is illegal for to sell the disks that they do, however it is potentially illegal for you to use them. The type of disk that they sell does not include a license for use. The license is your problem. Virtually every Dell is sold with a license to use a Windows operating system of a particular flavor (Windows 98, XP, Vista etc). As long as you use the same version of the operating system that you are licensed for then you should be perfectly legal. If you try to install a different version that you are licensed to use it will probably work without any need to activate but you would running the software without a legitimate license. But the most absurd part of a place like restoredisk.com is that they pray on the ignorance of may Dell users who could obtain free replacement disks by completing this form:
support.dell.com/.../backupcd_form
e.r.a.
63 Posts
0
April 19th, 2012 06:00
TOU Violation. Having said that I do not believe it is illegal for to sell the disks that they do, however it is potentially illegal for you to use them. The type of disk that they sell does not include a license for use. The license is your problem. Virtually every Dell is sold with a license to use a Windows operating system of a particular flavor (Windows 98, XP, Vista etc). As long as you use the same version of the operating system that you are licensed for then you should be perfectly legal. If you try to install a different version than you are licensed to use it will probably work without any need to activate but you would running the software without a legitimate license and that would not be legal. But the most absurd part of a place like restoredisk.com is that they pray on the ignorance of Dell users who could obtain free replacement disks by completing this form:
support.dell.com/.../backupcd_form
States
Country/Region
Request Backup Discs
operating system and have DataSafe Local 2.0 on your system, you can create a
set of Recovery Discs that contain a complete copy of all software installed on
your Dell computer.
Backup
following Dell articles:
2.0
Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0
2.0
the factory-installed operating system as well as the device drivers and
utilities specific to your system.
purchased.
was factory installed on the original
order.
Resource disc available. This disc contains the latest drivers and diagnostic
tools currently being shipped on new systems. Due to the frequent updates, this
Resource disc may not have all the drivers needed for your specific system,
especially if it is over one (1) year old.
strongly suggest that you download your drivers from our web site.
the request form below and click Submit to continue.
if needed, you may be asked to contact Dell by phone or schedule a time when
Dell can contact you by phone.
PowerVault Storage) product media, please complete the form at this link: http://www.dell.com/enterpriseemail
Name
Name
E-mail Address
E-mail Address
Number
- Ext.
Address
Code
the original)
Reason
exact error message displayed (if any) or detail your request reason.
system
Ideas
Status
Laptops | Desktops | Business Laptops | Business Desktops | Workstations |
Servers | Storage | Services | Monitors | Printers | LCD TVs | Electronics
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speedstep
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
47K Posts
0
April 19th, 2012 06:00
Dell's policy has changed somewhat. In the USA if your warranty is out they WILL CHARGE for the media.
This is why its imperative that you REQUEST Replacement Media Immediately not after you have a problem.
Thats also why making the dell datasafe full backup onto 16 GIG or larger flash drive is in your best interest.
The Datasafe 2.0 backup onto usb flash drive is BOOTABLE and can recover to a brand new BLANK hard drive with
the diag, Recovery, and OS partitions. The only limitation is that it must be restored to a drive AT LEAST as large as the one you have.
e.r.a.
63 Posts
0
April 19th, 2012 07:00
Unfortunately there is no policy stated on dell.com that details if or when any charge for replacement disc may apply. However I can confirm that I have recently obtained replacement discs from Dell without charge for out of warranty machines that I did not originally purchase as I like to legally rebuild old Dells and give them to charity with a complete set of recovery discs so that the new owner has a complete solution. So don't believe everything you read here, particularly when it is stated without any reference to substantiate it.
----------------------------------------
TOU Violation
Having said that I do not believe it is illegal for to sell the disks that they do, however it is potentially illegal for you to use them. The type of disk that they sell does not include a license for use. The license is your problem. Virtually every Dell is sold with a license to use a Windows operating system of a particular flavor (Windows 98, XP, Vista etc). As long as you use the same version of the operating system that you are licensed for then you should be perfectly legal. If you try to install a different version than you are licensed to use it will probably work without any need to activate but you would running the software without a legitimate license and that would not be legal. But the most absurd part of a place like restoredisk.com is that they pray on the ignorance of Dell users who could obtain free replacement disks by completing this form:
https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form
e.r.a.
63 Posts
0
April 19th, 2012 07:00
For what it is worth, the recent replacement discs that I obtained free of charge from Dell were for a Dimension 3100 that had been supplied with a Windows XP CD but the original XP CD was damaged and unusable. They did not challenge me with any questions about the whereabouts or condition of the original media. Nor did they request any payment. They kindly sent the replacement discs and did so with incredible speed. This of course does not mean what you say about Dell having a policy, but it does suggest that this mysterious policy which is not stated on the Dell website as far as I know is not consistent with what they actually do.
osprey4
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
34.2K Posts
0
April 19th, 2012 07:00
, YES, Dell has a policy on replacement discs. If media was not originally supplied with the system, they will provide replacement disc FOC. Otherwise, they will charge a nominal fee.
Keep in mind that your Windows license is on your PC. So any Dell OS disc that matches the OS that came with your machine will work, regardless of whether you borrow or buy one.
speedstep
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
47K Posts
0
April 19th, 2012 09:00
My reference is to a Disc Request in the USA within the last few weeks.
The asked me for
1. Customer Name
2. Order Number
3. Service Tag and Express service code.
4. Model Number
5. Error displayed on screen. Etc.
Which then led me to a tell them I wasn't asking for warranty support I had a dead Dell and needed replacement XP Media.
This was the response. Dell Info including agent name and number redacted.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
Community Manager
•
54.2K Posts
0
April 19th, 2012 15:00
All,
I have asked our Dell Legal team to look into this. The fact that they are questioning the site must mean that Dell has an issue with it. So, on our Forum, we will not allow users to broadcast the site. I am tabling this discussion and locking the thread.
Now, on to Forum manners. You may disagree with each other but you may not passively/aggressively attack each other through the use of bolding, underline, font size, etc.