Re: "Dell's halo is fading"

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.
.

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)
  • Re: OEM XP Reinstall
    ... PK doesn't work with your disk -- it belongs to the volume license, ... System Properties shows Win XP HOME OEM and the OEM type key. ... So, it isn't/wasn't an Upgrade, it was a dual-boot. ... and I also ran Belarc Advisor which got the install key ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Cannot boot to Safe Mode or otherwise.
    ... It sounds like I'll be able to make a disk that will work. ... You can also either boot off a rescue CD ... But you might still need to perform a Clean Install in the end. ... But you can also create an installation CD for him (and make it an OEM ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: OEM Licence woe (again)
    ... > preinstalled, service pack 2 + hotfixes, OEM Home Windows XP disk to ... > repair a clients PC with. ... > XP OEM install with my clients serial number to repair his/her PC. ... > windows install disk and the PC. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Upgrades and OEM
    ... new disk, I installed XP using the old disk (another OEM XP disk) ... remnants of an old install to screw up a new install. ... OR simply change the product key on the computer to the valid one that came ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)