Eu residents - Force stores to include the OS Disk

[jimbo45]

Hi there

If you live in an EU country subjected to that rediculous Browser rule why not suggest to the EU commission that a better policy would be for ALL computers bought from retail outlets with an OS pre-installed should ALWAYS come with a copy of the MS install disk (or linux distro) and not just rely on those rediculous "restore from hidden partition" type of solutions.

You've (in the case of MS software) paid for the license so you should get either a full install disk or the licensed OEM version.

(I always haggle for a full version of the OS in any case - in these times stores want to make sales).

(in the case of W7 it's not so much a problem at the moment as a lot of people will be getting W7 upgrades - but once it's been out for a while with a lot of machines having W7 pre-installed we might also get that nonsense again of no install disk).

This seems to be a much more SENSIBLE policy but Sense and the EU commission is probably a contradiction in terms.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[rsvr85]

i thought that ridiculous injunction had been lifted by the EU and 7 will ship to Europe with IE???

but Sense and the EU commission is probably a contradiction in terms

Not arf guvnor!!

 

[poin2]

Last I checked they'd tossed doing the E versions in Europe.

Everything will come with IE, but they're going to do a browser ballot so that people can easily choose something else if they want. I believe the ballot is looking to come via Windows Update so they don't have to modify the original OS software itself.

It looks like they'll still likely have the "N" versions for sale. Those come without media player and IE if anyone wants them. Sounds like they've historically been low sellers though.

Anyway, no "E" version without IE is coming to Europe at this point. The "browser rule" isn't going into effect as indicated at one point.

 

[Barman58]

Actual Sales of the "N" Vista versions was, at the last time I had information, less than 100 units for the whole of Europe .

That does not include those bundled with hardware but it does I feel show how the EU has it's finger on the pulse of what the consumer wants :sarc:

 

[Dzomlija]

Back on Topic:

The exclusion of the install disk helps to lower costs. What the stores should infact be doing is instructing people that buy new computers how to make their own set of recovery disks.

All the computers that use the "hidden partition recovery" method do include a utility of some kind within the OS that all users to create these disks. I go one step further when I sell a new laptop to one of my customers - I create the recovery disks for them before the machine leaves the store.

And to make the customer life a little simpler, we do not supply ANY machines that do not include recovery disks, or the facility to create them. In the case of desktop computers, we build them ourselves anyway, and do not rely on factory pre-built pcs, thus the issue of recovery disks is limited only to laptops and netbooks.

 

[OldMarine]

Recovery discs only work if they (the discs) determine your PC is in fact, the correct PC. My bios got hosed, and after doing the (AMI) recovery, the HP part of the bios was gone, e.g., no splach bios screen, and the inability to use HP update. The recovery discs would not work, as, my bios did not satisify those either, had to get an illegal (pirate) copy of Vista, Home prem, and then was able to use my CD key...

Cheers,

Ray

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there

I still think the Recovery disks are a BAD idea --OK to have these AS WELL but not INSTEAD of the OS install disk.

1) A Hidden partition wastes USEABLE Disk space and if deleted the restore application won't work.

2) A lot of users want often to get rid of a lot of the junk that comes pre-installed with typical computers - especially those really annoying 60 / 30 day bits of "trialware".

3) If you want to really optimise the OS you might want to install it again with different options.

4) If you buy a bigger / extra disk you might want to re-install the OS again anyway.

Some people might be happy without an install disk but usually for people who tinker with or / upgrade their machines an Install disk is necessary - and the saving in cost must be really trivial anyway.

cheers
jimbo

 

[pparks1]

Not having the actual installation OEM windows media is indeed painful for techies. Most people who purchase prebuilt systems from retail are likely just fine with having the restore functionality that the computer comes with. It's often just those of us who are more techie in nature who want additional options and more control over our systems.

It is amazing the extent companies go to save a buck. I mean seriously, include the built-in recovery tools of choice...but also provide the cd to those who want it. Seems like a simple enough solution. I bought 2 pre-built Dells and upgraded to XP Pro with both of them and both came with the physical reinstall media.