How to extract just the OS from a system restore CD?

[AnitaPeterson]

HI there?

A friend of mine bought a HP computer, and it's full of bloatware... I advised him to extract just the OS from his System restore CDs, and he'd be fine with his own customization.. the trouble is, I don't know the procedure... does anyone here know the steps to be taken?0

 

[jackschmittusa]

I would think that there are many variations of restore cds, and therefore no exact steps that will work for all of them. There are likely a number of installation files that have beren modified and you would have to track them down and restore them.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

I guess the best and most painless way would be for me to give him my Windows XP CD, then he can install it and activate it with his own key...

 

[DnetMHZ]

Originally posted by: AnitaPeterson
I guess the best and most painless way would be for me to give him my Windows XP CD, then he can install it and activate it with his own key...

That will most likely not work. His OEM key will not work if your CD is a retail version or from another OEM like Dell for instance.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Then what in God's name is he supposed to do? Call HP and ask for an OS disk? This is ridiculos... I guess the hidden price to pay if he prefers pre-built solutions...

 

[JackMDS]

Quote: "A friend of mine bought a HP computer, and it's full of bloatware... ".

Yeah this is the inexpensive product that comes with Pre-Installed OEM.

You want a regular retail product you have to buy one.

Thinking that you can get a sub $500 computer with a $100 (or more) retail pre-installed is following wishful thinking Not reality.

:sun:

 

[AnitaPeterson]

This sucks... is it a new thing about Windows XP? I remember when I could use a Windows 98 or 2000 CD that came with a Dell machine, to install the OS on a home-made computer...

 

[jackschmittusa]

Yup, new deal with XP and the activation scheme as well as OEMs not wanting you to reuse parts from their machines as well. They want the OS and the rig together so you will buy a whole new machine next time. MS does not want you to migrate the copy of XP they sold cheaply to the OEM to another rig either.