Well, you can *buy* a copy of the O/S, but it includes a license... the OEM version is about $100-120 depending on where you buy it.
-----Original Message----- From: Ben Scott [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 11:55 AM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: Generic Vista install without OEM shovelware Hello all, Per management order, I just picked up a side-client. They just bought an HP Pavilion desktop PC. It came with a Vista Home Premium OEM license. HP pre-loads tons of shovelware that I'd rather not have. It verges on coming pre-installed with malware. HP's restore kit will only restore to "factory condition", i.e., shovelware. Even if you order the discs from HP. I called HP, and their customer support (quite craptacular, BTW) said I couldn't order just an OS install disc. I'd like to just tell them "return the HP and buy a Dell" (even Dell's home PCs come with a vanilla OS install CD), but they've already tossed the box and everything. Sigh. I'd forgotten how much I *don't* miss this aspect of SOHO IT. Does anyone know of some way to get a clean, vanilla, generic Vista install on this? Short of buying a whole 'nother license, I mean. It has the COA sticker with Product Key on the side of the chassis. Can I use an OEM CD from a Dell with that Product Key? Is there a way order generic Vista Home Premium OEM media from Microsoft? advTHANKSance -- Ben ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.61/2313 - Release Date: 08/19/09 06:03:00 ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~
