Windows cd can be ordered for a small fee when buying a computer and also can & should be made using the utility included. It's not true that the utility is not included. It's under Dell Accessories in the All Programs menu. The backup program will be on the cd you make. If your computer is new you can request an xp cd & any others using Chat online or Email support.

Hi Mary,

 

I purchased a new system on July 25, 2005 from Dell and the OS recovery utility was not included, I am 100% sure of this fact. I understand a CD can be requested and have done so. But my point is that Dell is remiss in not making NTBackup part of their default configuration. The problem is compounded by not including Vauleadd files in th ei386 directory so that users can install programs Microsoft includes for free.

Dell didn't do that--Microsoft did. The Home Ed. installation doesn't install backup, while the Pro edition does. The Windows XP cd is the same one as you buy from MS. Backup is just a way to copy files for disaster recovery. It's not the old Backup program that used to compress files. Read this: http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=sw_mediaexp&message.id=1895&query.id=0#M1895

Message Edited by Mary G on 09-03-2005 05:43 PM

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@Westcoasthd wrote:

Just wondered if any one from Dell could explain why this isn't added by default as part of the Windows XP Home edition configuration from Dell. Originally I thought a backup utility did not come with this version, and then I discovered it did and it should have been included with the OS CD. Unfortunately I did not receive a copy of the OS CD with my computer, as I had in the past. In addition the files installed by Dell under c:\i386 did not include a Valueadd folder, therefore I could not install the NTBackup.msi file.

 

It seems like Dell is placing impediments to supporting ones own system:

 

1) No Windows OS CD is included with the system when purchased new.

2) Dell no longer offers an OS Recovery Utility on new systems.

3) Dell does not add a free backup utility NTBackup from Microsoft.  XP Home, whether supplied on a Dell computer or bought at a retail store, does NOT install MS Backup.  You have to go do it manually. 

4) The Valueadd folder in i386 is not included, so you can install the utility and back up the OS and system state on a regular basis.  It never has been included.