What should come with a brand new desktop PC?

Forums › Desktop computing › What should come with a brand new desktop PC?

jasonwaiheke

278 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 5

#91588 16-Oct-2011 19:18

Hi,

I recently purchased a brand new HP desktop computer with Windows 7 pre-installed, but i have no copy of the OS should i need to format and re-install sometime in the future, should i have? it seems weird, as when i had a custom build made at a computer shop (all be it a few years ago) i got a copy of my OS on CD.

Jason.

Slingshot

1004 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 59

Trusted

Slingshot

#534057 16-Oct-2011 19:21

Generally in my experience prefab type computers come with the install as a seperate partition on the hard drive.

It's advisable to find the manufacturers backup program and burn off a copy of restore disks, but generally the reinstall process is to press F6 or F12 or some such key on boot to access the ability to factory reset the computer.

Best people to query on the specifics of your one would be the store you got it from as usually they can simply tell you how that model is designed to be restored.

www.slingshot.co.nz

www.twitter.com/SlingshotNZ

https://www.facebook.com/SlingshotNZ

gehenna

8667 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3883

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#534059 16-Oct-2011 19:22

Most new laptops come with a recovery disc creation software on them somewhere, allowing you to create your own recovery discs. Either that or they'll have a recovery partition.

Read the literature that came with your laptop.

xpd

Geek of Coastguard
14116 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4579

Retired Mod

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#534061 16-Oct-2011 19:23

Yeah a lot of branded (Dell, HP etc) systems come with a "hidden" recovery partition - youre usually prompted to hit F12 or something to enter it on startup. Thing is tho, if its the HDD itself that fails, you're stuck......

XPD / Gavin

LinkTree

scuwp

3927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2510

#534077 16-Oct-2011 20:39

I would go through the OS process to make a recovery disk (set) before doing to much. Last PC's I purchased had the recovery programs partitioned off on the HDD. I trust you also got the validation codes/seals so everything is legit?

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

jasonwaiheke

278 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 5

#534531 18-Oct-2011 07:01

It is all legit, i have all the stickers codes receipts etc to show it, i got it from harvey norman, it does have a recovery partition. but what ever happened to saying hey your machine has windows 7 pre-installed but here is the disc in case you need it.

jasonwaiheke

278 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 5

#534532 18-Oct-2011 07:02

when i brought an unbranded custom build from a computer shop, i got a copy of all the cds for the software which was installed, and all drivers for the hardware.

Apple TV

Stream your favourite shows now on Apple TV (affiliate link).

farcus

1626 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 437

#534533 18-Oct-2011 07:06

jasonwaiheke: It is all legit, i have all the stickers codes receipts etc to show it, i got it from harvey norman, it does have a recovery partition. but what ever happened to saying hey your machine has windows 7 pre-installed but here is the disc in case you need it.

it has been pretty common practice for about ten years or more now.

as previously advised - there is probably an option on your computer somewhere to make a set of full recovery discs - which is basically a win7 disc with all the correct drivers etc for your computer. Find that option and you will have exactly what you want.

Handle9

11925 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9675

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#534544 18-Oct-2011 08:18

jasonwaiheke: when i brought an unbranded custom build from a computer shop, i got a copy of all the cds for the software which was installed, and all drivers for the hardware.

You would have done as they would have an OEM version of windows which they bought disks for vis Microsoft.

HP will have a direct OEM channel with Microsoft and they will be saving money by delivering Windows cloned on the drive. Same as I'm sure there's a whole lot of junkware on you machine as HP gets money for installing this on your PC.

PC manufacturing exists on no margin so if the OEM can save a few cents per machine they will. As previous posters have said there will be a facility for you to make a recovery disk so there's no real harm in this approach other than taking you time.

wellygary

8810 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5287

#534546 18-Oct-2011 08:23

jasonwaiheke: It is all legit, i have all the stickers codes receipts etc to show it, i got it from harvey norman, it does have a recovery partition. but what ever happened to saying hey your machine has windows 7 pre-installed but here is the disc in case you need it.

It has gone the way of the dodo and buggy whips, retail boxed software is in the process of going the same way.
Creating and moving a physical product ( discs) around the world cost someone pennies, they would rather keep there pennies and make you do the work either by having to download stuff, or make backup disks.