Re: "Dell's halo is fading"

On Sun, 11 Dec 2005 16:16:31 GMT, Gary L. <nospam@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>On Sun, 11 Dec 2005 07:22:43 -0500, George Macdonald
><fammacd=!SPAM^nothanks@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>
>>>As far as I can tell, the Python script has to do with the "Rapid
>>>Restore" utility. Rapid Restore loads as a service by default and that
>>>may run the Python script. You can do a clean install using the OS
>>>packaged with the recovery disks (read the thread on thinkpads.com),
>>>but it is a real PITA. I simply used an OEM XP disk I have from
>>>another system and the product code on the ThinkPad's sticker to get a
>>>clean install.
>>
>>Ah good and thanks for the info - I've wondered if you could do that... use
>>any WinXP install and the code from another disk.
>
>I think it has to be an *OEM* disk to match the OEM activation code on
>the ThinkPad's sticker. Based on what I've read, I believe that you
>can't use a retail version disk with an OEM code and vice-versa, but I
>haven't actually tested this. The pre-load XP that comes with the
>machine uses an activation code in a file on the recovery disk and
>this doesn't require activation at all, but I think that the machine
>type in the BIOS has to match or else the installation is aborted.
>
>Someone on thinkpads.com figured out a way to make a bootable install
>CD using the pre-load activation code and the install files in the
>I386 directory, but skipping the installation of the drivers and the
>packaged utilities (Norton AV, etc.) Take a look at the thread on
>thinkpads.com if you're interested.

Since, from legal standpoint, using that IBM-specific activation code
on non-IBM OEM CD is as much a violation as any piracy, it's even
easier to use MSDN or corporate setup CD (images abundant on eDonkey
and such) and generate a key with one of the many keygens available
from the same source. You are in violation of license agreement
anyway, and that corporate Pro (not stinky Home like many OEM/preloads
are) version doesn't even check for the BIOS or something else
matching the number, no activation required.

NNN

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: OEM and Standard windows - What are the differences?
    ... for most OEM`s I think the best course would be to create a totally new disk with the customer/friends own OEM bundled recovery disk. ... installation media, it is not the source media itself but the license that is the clincher, if they have a license to use the software who gives a rip where the software is installed from? ... we can legally install Windows or other MS products from a network location or we can restore an OS from any number of backup facilities available. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
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    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
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    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
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    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)