Comments for What do I do if my machine didn't include installation or driver disks?

Comment from cyrus on 2009-11-29

2009-11-30T01:29:03Z

Leo:
"As I've advised before, should you find yourself without all of the above, particularly the Windows installation disc, you should make an image backup of your entire machine as soon as possible. This would serve as your re-installation "media" should you ever need to reformat and reinstall."
My computer has no discs, has the recovery on a partition, etc.
How do I go about making this "IMAGE BACKUP?"
I do NOT have a writable CD on the machine. I have USB ports, but the computer will not allow me to copy the needed information to an external hard drive.
I do have Firewire on this computer and on another computer that does have a writable CD drive. Can this help in any way?

Use disk imaging/backup software like Acronis or DriveImageXML to create the image to your external drive.

01-Dec-2009

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Comment from Charles Tilley on 2009-11-20

2009-11-20T16:28:03Z

Well said, Mike. As far as purchasing computers, there are NO rights that I'm aware of that requires the PC company to furnish reinstallation disks. The only exception that I know of is if the ad states that it's included. In that case, you would have rights. In the past, I bought 2 Dell Latitude laptops that came with the OS install disc, plus a Roxio and a Cyberlink Power DVD reinstall discs as well. The new HP MS214 all in one with Win 7 Home Premium that I bought last week did not include discs, but offers a better solution. It has a backup portion on the hard drive, with a couple of choices. You can make a simple recovery disc, or you can make a full fledged backup disc. Also, you can restore the PC to the way it came from the factory by selecting "restore to factory image". This is nice to have. I've already made the simple recovery disc. This weekend, I'll make the full fledged backup disc. And you can set the PC on a schedule to backup. I set mine for once a week on Sunday mornings at 4:00 AM. With Windows 7, things are improving in more ways than just browsing web pages. Windows 7 is the best OS that Microsoft has produced since XP. Finally, all the XP users out there (and there are still many of them) has a chance to step up easily. If a simpleton like myself can learn it, so can about anyone.

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Comment from Mike on 2009-11-12

2009-11-12T20:21:52Z

Just to reiterate what Leo has said, there are no consumer RIGHTS. There are some laws which protect consumers in certain situations, and those are sometimes referred to as rights, but it's a euphemism. They are really just legal protections. Stating the facts does not constitute a defense of them. One does, however, have the RIGHT to decide whether to continue as a reader. Since knowledge (negative or positive) is helpful, I'll continue to be a reader.

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Comment from Fret on 2009-11-10

2009-11-11T07:27:27Z

Have I understood it correctly? That if I copy the I386 folder to a dvd I essentially have the Installation Disc that I didn't get with my computer?

Not really. For one thing that DVD won't be bootable, which is something you need. Second, not all manufacturers put the whole thing there. But it can be useful.

13-Nov-2009

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Comment from MmeMoxie on 2009-11-10

2009-11-11T07:14:31Z

I am so thankful, that I build my own computers!!! Having the CD or DVD disks available, is NOT a problem. Plus, with me building my own computer, I have the disks or access to all the drivers of my components, that I chose, not someone else. When I fire up my 'new' computer, I don't have a lot of 'crapware', either, since I chose what I installed.

Now, having said all of that, I do recommend for those who don't know what to do with their computers, when they run into problems/troubles, to purchase a good computer from a reputable company, DELL or HP. Why those 2? I have found that I can access either website and find information on their products, when you are repairing or fixing issues/problems, even download all the drivers necessary.

Of course, first and foremost, you need to have the means to do a 'fresh', clean, full install, in case you have replace or re-format the hard drive. Don't have a Operating System disk? Buy one. I know that they are expensive, but, let's say you only paid $399, plus tax for a whole 'brand new' computer system, OK? Just looking at the price of Windows 7 CD/DVD disk, it is highly doubtful that you will get any kind of 'installation disk'. Otherwise, the cost of your 'brand new' computer would be more like $499 to $599.

Buying a computer brand is no different than buy a car. Check out ALL your options, before signing the 'dotted' line. You can chose all the 'high end' options or simply go for the basic essentials. Plus, a computer will give you just as good mileage, as a car can, when properly taken care of.

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Comment from Charles Tilley on 2009-11-10

2009-11-11T03:49:24Z

To the comment of "mm". I've been reading Leo's column for a while now and on a couple of occasions, he saved my butt. I'm a Dell user, so reinstall disks are no problem for me. But Leo's just telling you like it is, he is not defending anyone's business practices. This is America, so you can choose what you want to read or what sites you get advice from. Leo's runs a straight up column, and I'll be a reader as long as his column is here.

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Comment from mm on 2009-11-10

2009-11-10T23:32:36Z

Your defense of the terrible business practices of these companies has just lost you a reader.

Defense? If you say so. I've been fairly clear that I think manufacturer's should include the disks. But be that as it may, people need practical advice when they don't.

13-Nov-2009

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Comment from Ralph on 2009-11-10

2009-11-10T23:16:01Z

In my experience working with the major name brands: DELL the best, bar none, since for BUSINESS PCs (Latitudes, Precisions, Optiplexes) they will include the OS and Driver DVDs when you have them build your PC--for home versions you may need to ask for them. HP used to provide them but now use the Create your Recovery Disks software which usually pops up as soon as you first boot. HP will mail you discs pre-made, but it costs about $25. Toshiba usually includes the Recovery discs but will mail you copies for a similar fee. I always just get Dell PCs and laptops for my customers--finding drivers is so easy with the http:\\support.dell.com and service tag.
Ralph
http:\\ralph-altman.com

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Comment from Silver on 2009-11-10

2009-11-10T22:56:14Z

I think those manufacturer is included the OEM Recovery into the HDD instead of Discs.
Well, the Recovery contain Boot MBR itself which allow Repairing/Reformating(restore to default factory) for the specific machine.

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Comment from John Sturges on 2009-11-10

2009-11-10T20:47:42Z

A 4th, or should it be the 1st Option, when buying a new computer, is to take the time to Read The Friendly Manual (RTFM), to see if there is a way to BURN your own Windows Recovery disks. This was mentioned in a previous comment, but, I wanted to elaborate.

Some manufacturers DO "do it right", but as you stated, many don't. And, it's always the first thing the Help Desk asks when you tell them "your PC didn't come with disks".

The trick is:

To exercise this option right away, NOT when your hard drive decides to "go south". Most people don't RTFM, so your 3 recommendations are good to keep in mind, and are often the only choice left.

Just my 2 cents, and I love your newsletter, so keep up the good work.

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Comment from Charles Tilley on 2009-11-10

2009-11-10T18:54:16Z

The reinstall disks DO include the OS for your particular brand. I bought a PC recently that was a refurb with a new hard drive. It had XP Home preinstalled on it. But the original XP Pro sticker was still on it, so I ran the reinstall disc and was given the option to choose or make a partition. I split the 500GB drive in half, and XP Pro installed perfectly and passed validation with no problem. The program didn't even ask for a serial number. So reinstall disks are a very valuable tool. I have 3 of them and wouldn't take twice what I paid for them.

Just to clarify: not all reinstall disks include the OS. In fact most do not.

13-Nov-2009

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Comment from sirpaul on 2009-11-10

2009-11-10T16:30:34Z

Ditto with the partition on HP. Although it's not hidden. It also strongly recommends to make your own set of startup disks.

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Comment from Lee on 2009-11-10

2009-11-10T16:22:49Z

Leo,
I plan on updating to Windows 7 (since I qualified for free upgrade), from Vista (new machne). My question is when I upgrade what happens to the recovery partition of my laptop? Does it get upgraded as well or do I just reformat it and free up the space? Other suggestions? Thanks, Lee

The recovery partition is not a part of Windows, and thus is not affected by your upgrade. You'll be left with a Windows Vista recovery partition on a Windows 7 machine - it's unlikely to work, or do what you want. The problem is that recovery partitions are provided by the manufacturer, not Windows, and there is no standard. In your shoes I would actually repartition the machine to remove the recovery partition and make the spec it takes up usable, and after installing Windows 7 take an image backup to use as a recovery point should it ever be needed.

13-Nov-2009

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Comment from Alex Netherton on 2009-11-09

2009-11-09T19:54:32Z

Hi Leo;
My computer came with a hidden partition (Acer Aspire desktop)that contained the setup disk, and I was able to copy this to make a setup DVD. I have used it several times, and it restores the computer to factory defaults including any and all drivers.

I think your writer might be a person who doesn't know much about the workings of a computer. Most computers today have a "recovery partition" which is the same as a CD or DVD, and in most cases can be copied to a DVD or CD for future use if needed.

I had to do this, as I had Mandriva and LILO or GRUB, and it overwrote the boot sector, and when I needed to reinstall Windows, I had to completely wipe the whole drive, including the hidden partition. The setup DVD I made came in handy!

The recovery partition, if it's present, is not guaranteed to have everything you need. There is no standard for what it should or should not contain. And of course it's useless if the hard drive dies or is replaced, since it's only on the original hard drive.

11-Nov-2009

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A comment on: What do I do if my machine didn't include installation or driver disks?

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