Am I alone in thinking that its a bit unfair that manufacturers do not supply windows disks with their new PC's ?. After all, the cost of the PC includes that version of Windows so why do you have to create your own recovery disks? A lot of people, Im sure, dont bother to do this and could end up in shtuk if they get a hard disk failure.

You can usually get a recovery cd for a few dollars. Most manufacturers put the recovery information in an image on a "hidden" partition of the hard drive, and provide a BIOS utility to reload the computer from the image. This is to cut down on piracy, as well as costs of pressing and distributing cd/dvd media. When you order your new computer, you need to specifically request the recovery, system and application cd's(dvd's).

Thanks. Actually on mine they give instructions on how to create your own recovery disks which I dont mind but Im thinking of a lot of people who wouldnt do this or realise the importance of it. Even if the recovery info is on a 'hidden' partition, if the whole disk fails, then the recovery info is also lost, no?

Hm, that is weird, because what happens if your computer gets a virus or something along that nature? How are you to reload windows. I agree you should get some type of recovery dicks at least for windows. Most drivers these days can be found online.

HP computers give you a little piece of paper (along with advertisements and other junk) that tells you to make your own recovery disc. The choice was to use 10 CDs, 2 DVDs, or 1 duel layer DVD.
I wonder how many people overlook this until it's too late?!

I think it's simply due to cost. Plus, many manufacturers know that many purchasers will simply format the drive anyway, either to Windows to get rid of all the preinstalled junk, from Vista to XP or simply straight to Linux. The recovery partition is there for people who need it. It's mainly a profit exercise, but when computers are so cheap these days, its little things like this that keep the manufacturers in business.

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what kind of dumbass would pay for windows on a new pc just to go directly to linux...?
ive allways gotten my systems with out an OS personally

Someone who buys a laptop, maybe?

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So Im a dumbass....maybe...but my wife wanted one, she got one, she's happy, makes my life easier...

But you just paid 200+ bucks for software you removed.... tell them not to put an os on it if your gonna put linux on it

Well In the U.S. where I live many ppl do make their own recovery discs, because the cost of buying them is outrageous. And yes, I do think it's pretty unfair they don't supply them, for obvious reasons. But its good business sense I guess.

I have Windows XP Pro retail CD well worth $80

It sickens me to see these companies rip people off like this. Windows recovery cd's should be included. I don't think the cost of supplying the cd would be that much for the company, but I guess it's just another way they can make an extra dollar, or should I say an extra $80.

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My disks came with my computer from Dell. However, it will only work on a Dell computer.
You see, the way most charge for what they consider to be add-ons, which in turn are supposed to be supplied with your new system to begin with............is just another way they make the big bucks.

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My Dell came with a "hidden" partition on the hard drive which got screwed up I had to use a friends copy of Windows XP Home SP2 and change the product ID to mine then activate it. My computer is working fine so far with no problems.

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