My desktop crashed the other day and the repair people tell me I need to get a recovery disk to fix it. Of course, I do not have one, and of course, my computer is just slightly too old, so the manufacturer no longer supplies them for my model. I called Microsoft to see if I could get a Vista recovery disk (I don’t have the funds to lay out the $200 for Windows 7) and they said I should get an OEM disk. I looked online and there are dozens of sites selling them, but I want to make sure that I get one from a reputable source. So here I am, turning to my brothers and sisters of the Dope for help. What exactly will I get with the OEM version and where is the best place to get one? I will have help with the installation once I get it, I just need to know the best place to do so.
It’s not urgent, but school will be starting again soon and the kids will need the computer for the various projects they always seem to have, so I do appreciate any help!
The OEM version will be as stripped-down a version of Windows as you can get. It won’t have any of the “crapware”/“bloatware” that was put on your PC by the manufacturer, no ‘free trials’ of stuff, etc…in other words, heaven! All you get is the DVD, though…no manuals (other than maybe a “quick install guide,” or something.)
As for where, I say Newegg.com. The price will be the same (or darn near the same) anywhere, but they are 100% reliable, have fast shipping, and great customer service.
A word of caution (anecdotal): I just did this and spent as much on attempting to get my computer fixed as it would cost to buy a new one, and I ended up having to buy a new one, anyway. If you are unsure of the recoverability of your present computer, you could spend way less buy simply getting a data recovery and buying a new box. YMMV, of course.
You might not have to buy a copy of Windows, even an OEM license. Even though you don’t have the original recovery disk, the laptop still has a valid license key – probably printed on the bottom. You can use any copy of the same version of Vista, and just input the key that comes with the laptop. Borrow it from a friend, your employer’s IT department, wherever you can get your hands on it. (Is it piracy to download an install disk which you use to install a valid license?)
Missed edit: Apparently I can’t read and you actually have a desktop. Still you should have a license sticker printed somewhere, maybe on the side of the case or with the original documentation.
