Wiping corporate laptops - resetting Windows installation
Hi experts,
The place where I work is 'rotating' a stack of older staff notebooks out,
to be replaced with shiny new ones.
Each notebook being rotated out has an XP Home CoA on it, but for our
workplace we (legally) used a VLK.
After installing a fresh new XP Home, fully updated, SP3, all updates, etc
how do I:-
Remove the product key I used to install this Home version, thereby forcing
the user to enter the XP Home CoA key stuck to the notebook they purchase
(and also reset activation)
Remove the Computer Name I used to install XP Home, so the user has to enter
a new machine name
Remove any trace of the User I created, thereby forcing the purchaser to
fill in the Users panel.
At that point (removing all this info), I'd pull a Ghost image, and wipe all
the machines being rotated out. Staff have specifically requested the
machines being rotated out be wiped - I might as well Ghost XP Home on to
them.
Re: Wiping corporate laptops - resetting Windows installation
The only legitimate way to return the computers to
their original factory operating system is to use
the original OEM installation media that came with
the PCs. You have to provide the original media
to the next owner anyway.
--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast
"Mark B" <marximus@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:ezFiigV8IHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
Hi experts,
The place where I work is 'rotating' a stack of older staff notebooks out,
to be replaced with shiny new ones.
Each notebook being rotated out has an XP Home CoA on it, but for our
workplace we (legally) used a VLK.
After installing a fresh new XP Home, fully updated, SP3, all updates, etc
how do I:-
Remove the product key I used to install this Home version, thereby forcing
the user to enter the XP Home CoA key stuck to the notebook they purchase
(and also reset activation)
Remove the Computer Name I used to install XP Home, so the user has to enter
a new machine name
Remove any trace of the User I created, thereby forcing the purchaser to
fill in the Users panel.
At that point (removing all this info), I'd pull a Ghost image, and wipe all
the machines being rotated out. Staff have specifically requested the
machines being rotated out be wiped - I might as well Ghost XP Home on to
them.
"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
news:%23lmwijY8IHA.4864@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> The only legitimate way to return the computers to
> their original factory operating system is to use
> the original OEM installation media that came with
> the PCs. You have to provide the original media
> to the next owner anyway.
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows Desktop Experience -
> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> "Mark B" <marximus@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:ezFiigV8IHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Hi experts,
>
> The place where I work is 'rotating' a stack of older staff notebooks out,
> to be replaced with shiny new ones.
>
> Each notebook being rotated out has an XP Home CoA on it, but for our
> workplace we (legally) used a VLK.
>
> After installing a fresh new XP Home, fully updated, SP3, all updates, etc
> how do I:-
>
> Remove the product key I used to install this Home version, thereby
> forcing
> the user to enter the XP Home CoA key stuck to the notebook they purchase
> (and also reset activation)
>
> Remove the Computer Name I used to install XP Home, so the user has to
> enter
> a new machine name
>
> Remove any trace of the User I created, thereby forcing the purchaser to
> fill in the Users panel.
>
> At that point (removing all this info), I'd pull a Ghost image, and wipe
> all
> the machines being rotated out. Staff have specifically requested the
> machines being rotated out be wiped - I might as well Ghost XP Home on to
> them.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mark
>
>
Re: Wiping corporate laptops - resetting Windows installation
If the refurbisher does not have the original recovery media, they may
be able to obtain the recovery media from the original manufacturer of
that PC. A new Windows license is required for a refurbished PC if:
The refurbisher cannot obtain the original recovery media,
or
The PC does not have a hard-disk based recovery image.
In this case, the refurbisher must purchase a new license
in order to deliver a genuine Windows operating system
experience with the refurbished PC.
--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast
"David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message news:eUXUlpY8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
In selling a used laptop, I doubt there is any legal requirement of the
seller to provide installation media.
"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
news:%23lmwijY8IHA.4864@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> The only legitimate way to return the computers to
> their original factory operating system is to use
> the original OEM installation media that came with
> the PCs. You have to provide the original media
> to the next owner anyway.
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows Desktop Experience -
> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> "Mark B" <marximus@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:ezFiigV8IHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Hi experts,
>
> The place where I work is 'rotating' a stack of older staff notebooks out,
> to be replaced with shiny new ones.
>
> Each notebook being rotated out has an XP Home CoA on it, but for our
> workplace we (legally) used a VLK.
>
> After installing a fresh new XP Home, fully updated, SP3, all updates, etc
> how do I:-
>
> Remove the product key I used to install this Home version, thereby
> forcing
> the user to enter the XP Home CoA key stuck to the notebook they purchase
> (and also reset activation)
>
> Remove the Computer Name I used to install XP Home, so the user has to
> enter
> a new machine name
>
> Remove any trace of the User I created, thereby forcing the purchaser to
> fill in the Users panel.
>
> At that point (removing all this info), I'd pull a Ghost image, and wipe
> all
> the machines being rotated out. Staff have specifically requested the
> machines being rotated out be wiped - I might as well Ghost XP Home on to
> them.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mark
>
>
"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
news:OzY$XwY8IHA.3848@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> If the refurbisher does not have the original recovery media, they may
> be able to obtain the recovery media from the original manufacturer of
> that PC. A new Windows license is required for a refurbished PC if:
>
> The refurbisher cannot obtain the original recovery media,
>
> or
>
>
> The PC does not have a hard-disk based recovery image.
> In this case, the refurbisher must purchase a new license
> in order to deliver a genuine Windows operating system
> experience with the refurbished PC.
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows Desktop Experience -
> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> "David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message
> news:eUXUlpY8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> In selling a used laptop, I doubt there is any legal requirement of the
> seller to provide installation media.
>
> --
>
> ----
> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>
>
>
> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
> news:%23lmwijY8IHA.4864@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> The only legitimate way to return the computers to
>> their original factory operating system is to use
>> the original OEM installation media that came with
>> the PCs. You have to provide the original media
>> to the next owner anyway.
>>
>> --
>> Carey Frisch
>> Microsoft MVP
>> Windows Desktop Experience -
>> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>>
>> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> "Mark B" <marximus@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:ezFiigV8IHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> Hi experts,
>>
>> The place where I work is 'rotating' a stack of older staff notebooks
>> out,
>> to be replaced with shiny new ones.
>>
>> Each notebook being rotated out has an XP Home CoA on it, but for our
>> workplace we (legally) used a VLK.
>>
>> After installing a fresh new XP Home, fully updated, SP3, all updates,
>> etc
>> how do I:-
>>
>> Remove the product key I used to install this Home version, thereby
>> forcing
>> the user to enter the XP Home CoA key stuck to the notebook they purchase
>> (and also reset activation)
>>
>> Remove the Computer Name I used to install XP Home, so the user has to
>> enter
>> a new machine name
>>
>> Remove any trace of the User I created, thereby forcing the purchaser to
>> fill in the Users panel.
>>
>> At that point (removing all this info), I'd pull a Ghost image, and wipe
>> all
>> the machines being rotated out. Staff have specifically requested the
>> machines being rotated out be wiped - I might as well Ghost XP Home on to
>> them.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Mark
>>
>>
>
"David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message news:OSfAS4Y8IHA.1420@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
How does selling off used laptops makes one a "refurbisher"? Refurbished and
used are 2 different things.
"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
news:OzY$XwY8IHA.3848@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> If the refurbisher does not have the original recovery media, they may
> be able to obtain the recovery media from the original manufacturer of
> that PC. A new Windows license is required for a refurbished PC if:
>
> The refurbisher cannot obtain the original recovery media,
>
> or
>
>
> The PC does not have a hard-disk based recovery image.
> In this case, the refurbisher must purchase a new license
> in order to deliver a genuine Windows operating system
> experience with the refurbished PC.
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows Desktop Experience -
> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> "David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message
> news:eUXUlpY8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> In selling a used laptop, I doubt there is any legal requirement of the
> seller to provide installation media.
>
> --
>
> ----
> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>
>
>
> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
> news:%23lmwijY8IHA.4864@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> The only legitimate way to return the computers to
>> their original factory operating system is to use
>> the original OEM installation media that came with
>> the PCs. You have to provide the original media
>> to the next owner anyway.
>>
>> --
>> Carey Frisch
>> Microsoft MVP
>> Windows Desktop Experience -
>> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>>
>> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> "Mark B" <marximus@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:ezFiigV8IHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> Hi experts,
>>
>> The place where I work is 'rotating' a stack of older staff notebooks
>> out,
>> to be replaced with shiny new ones.
>>
>> Each notebook being rotated out has an XP Home CoA on it, but for our
>> workplace we (legally) used a VLK.
>>
>> After installing a fresh new XP Home, fully updated, SP3, all updates,
>> etc
>> how do I:-
>>
>> Remove the product key I used to install this Home version, thereby
>> forcing
>> the user to enter the XP Home CoA key stuck to the notebook they purchase
>> (and also reset activation)
>>
>> Remove the Computer Name I used to install XP Home, so the user has to
>> enter
>> a new machine name
>>
>> Remove any trace of the User I created, thereby forcing the purchaser to
>> fill in the Users panel.
>>
>> At that point (removing all this info), I'd pull a Ghost image, and wipe
>> all
>> the machines being rotated out. Staff have specifically requested the
>> machines being rotated out be wiped - I might as well Ghost XP Home on to
>> them.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Mark
>>
>>
>
"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
news:eDCCUJZ8IHA.4608@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> If you are preparing equipment for resale,
> you are a refurbisher.
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows Desktop Experience -
> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> "David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message
> news:OSfAS4Y8IHA.1420@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> How does selling off used laptops makes one a "refurbisher"? Refurbished
> and
> used are 2 different things.
>
> --
>
> ----
> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>
>
>
> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
> news:OzY$XwY8IHA.3848@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> If the refurbisher does not have the original recovery media, they may
>> be able to obtain the recovery media from the original manufacturer of
>> that PC. A new Windows license is required for a refurbished PC if:
>>
>> The refurbisher cannot obtain the original recovery media,
>>
>> or
>>
>>
>> The PC does not have a hard-disk based recovery image.
>> In this case, the refurbisher must purchase a new license
>> in order to deliver a genuine Windows operating system
>> experience with the refurbished PC.
>>
>> --
>> Carey Frisch
>> Microsoft MVP
>> Windows Desktop Experience -
>> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>>
>> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> "David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message
>> news:eUXUlpY8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> In selling a used laptop, I doubt there is any legal requirement of the
>> seller to provide installation media.
>>
>> --
>>
>> ----
>> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
>> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>>
>>
>>
>> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:%23lmwijY8IHA.4864@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>> The only legitimate way to return the computers to
>>> their original factory operating system is to use
>>> the original OEM installation media that came with
>>> the PCs. You have to provide the original media
>>> to the next owner anyway.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Carey Frisch
>>> Microsoft MVP
>>> Windows Desktop Experience -
>>> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>>>
>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>>>
>>> "Mark B" <marximus@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:ezFiigV8IHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> Hi experts,
>>>
>>> The place where I work is 'rotating' a stack of older staff notebooks
>>> out,
>>> to be replaced with shiny new ones.
>>>
>>> Each notebook being rotated out has an XP Home CoA on it, but for our
>>> workplace we (legally) used a VLK.
>>>
>>> After installing a fresh new XP Home, fully updated, SP3, all updates,
>>> etc
>>> how do I:-
>>>
>>> Remove the product key I used to install this Home version, thereby
>>> forcing
>>> the user to enter the XP Home CoA key stuck to the notebook they
>>> purchase
>>> (and also reset activation)
>>>
>>> Remove the Computer Name I used to install XP Home, so the user has to
>>> enter
>>> a new machine name
>>>
>>> Remove any trace of the User I created, thereby forcing the purchaser to
>>> fill in the Users panel.
>>>
>>> At that point (removing all this info), I'd pull a Ghost image, and wipe
>>> all
>>> the machines being rotated out. Staff have specifically requested the
>>> machines being rotated out be wiped - I might as well Ghost XP Home on
>>> to
>>> them.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Mark
>>>
>>>
>>
>
Re: Wiping corporate laptops - resetting Windows installation
All you have to do is read an OEM Windows XP EULA.
It states that in order to transfer an OEM Windows license,
you must include the original installation media or
the Windows recovery partition must be intact.
--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast
"David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message news:eML1BAa8IHA.4532@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
I would disagree. Is this your opinion or do you have supporting
documentation as far as the requirements of reinstallation media is
concerned.
"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
news:eDCCUJZ8IHA.4608@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> If you are preparing equipment for resale,
> you are a refurbisher.
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows Desktop Experience -
> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> "David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message
> news:OSfAS4Y8IHA.1420@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> How does selling off used laptops makes one a "refurbisher"? Refurbished
> and
> used are 2 different things.
>
> --
>
> ----
> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>
>
>
> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
> news:OzY$XwY8IHA.3848@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> If the refurbisher does not have the original recovery media, they may
>> be able to obtain the recovery media from the original manufacturer of
>> that PC. A new Windows license is required for a refurbished PC if:
>>
>> The refurbisher cannot obtain the original recovery media,
>>
>> or
>>
>>
>> The PC does not have a hard-disk based recovery image.
>> In this case, the refurbisher must purchase a new license
>> in order to deliver a genuine Windows operating system
>> experience with the refurbished PC.
>>
>> --
>> Carey Frisch
>> Microsoft MVP
>> Windows Desktop Experience -
>> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>>
>> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> "David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message
>> news:eUXUlpY8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> In selling a used laptop, I doubt there is any legal requirement of the
>> seller to provide installation media.
>>
>> --
>>
>> ----
>> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
>> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>>
>>
>>
>> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:%23lmwijY8IHA.4864@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>> The only legitimate way to return the computers to
>>> their original factory operating system is to use
>>> the original OEM installation media that came with
>>> the PCs. You have to provide the original media
>>> to the next owner anyway.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Carey Frisch
>>> Microsoft MVP
>>> Windows Desktop Experience -
>>> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>>>
>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>>>
>>> "Mark B" <marximus@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:ezFiigV8IHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> Hi experts,
>>>
>>> The place where I work is 'rotating' a stack of older staff notebooks
>>> out,
>>> to be replaced with shiny new ones.
>>>
>>> Each notebook being rotated out has an XP Home CoA on it, but for our
>>> workplace we (legally) used a VLK.
>>>
>>> After installing a fresh new XP Home, fully updated, SP3, all updates,
>>> etc
>>> how do I:-
>>>
>>> Remove the product key I used to install this Home version, thereby
>>> forcing
>>> the user to enter the XP Home CoA key stuck to the notebook they
>>> purchase
>>> (and also reset activation)
>>>
>>> Remove the Computer Name I used to install XP Home, so the user has to
>>> enter
>>> a new machine name
>>>
>>> Remove any trace of the User I created, thereby forcing the purchaser to
>>> fill in the Users panel.
>>>
>>> At that point (removing all this info), I'd pull a Ghost image, and wipe
>>> all
>>> the machines being rotated out. Staff have specifically requested the
>>> machines being rotated out be wiped - I might as well Ghost XP Home on
>>> to
>>> them.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Mark
>>>
>>>
>>
>
"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
news:eTjtOIa8IHA.4108@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> All you have to do is read an OEM Windows XP EULA.
> It states that in order to transfer an OEM Windows license,
> you must include the original installation media or
> the Windows recovery partition must be intact.
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows Desktop Experience -
> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> "David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message
> news:eML1BAa8IHA.4532@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> I would disagree. Is this your opinion or do you have supporting
> documentation as far as the requirements of reinstallation media is
> concerned.
>
> --
>
> ----
> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>
>
>
> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
> news:eDCCUJZ8IHA.4608@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> If you are preparing equipment for resale,
>> you are a refurbisher.
>>
>> --
>> Carey Frisch
>> Microsoft MVP
>> Windows Desktop Experience -
>> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>>
>> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> "David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message
>> news:OSfAS4Y8IHA.1420@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> How does selling off used laptops makes one a "refurbisher"? Refurbished
>> and
>> used are 2 different things.
>>
>> --
>>
>> ----
>> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
>> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>>
>>
>>
>> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:OzY$XwY8IHA.3848@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> If the refurbisher does not have the original recovery media, they may
>>> be able to obtain the recovery media from the original manufacturer of
>>> that PC. A new Windows license is required for a refurbished PC if:
>>>
>>> The refurbisher cannot obtain the original recovery media,
>>>
>>> or
>>>
>>>
>>> The PC does not have a hard-disk based recovery image.
>>> In this case, the refurbisher must purchase a new license
>>> in order to deliver a genuine Windows operating system
>>> experience with the refurbished PC.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Carey Frisch
>>> Microsoft MVP
>>> Windows Desktop Experience -
>>> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>>>
>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>>>
>>> "David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message
>>> news:eUXUlpY8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>> In selling a used laptop, I doubt there is any legal requirement of the
>>> seller to provide installation media.
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> ----
>>> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
>>> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:%23lmwijY8IHA.4864@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>> The only legitimate way to return the computers to
>>>> their original factory operating system is to use
>>>> the original OEM installation media that came with
>>>> the PCs. You have to provide the original media
>>>> to the next owner anyway.
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Carey Frisch
>>>> Microsoft MVP
>>>> Windows Desktop Experience -
>>>> Windows Vista Enthusiast
>>>>
>>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> "Mark B" <marximus@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:ezFiigV8IHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>> Hi experts,
>>>>
>>>> The place where I work is 'rotating' a stack of older staff notebooks
>>>> out,
>>>> to be replaced with shiny new ones.
>>>>
>>>> Each notebook being rotated out has an XP Home CoA on it, but for our
>>>> workplace we (legally) used a VLK.
>>>>
>>>> After installing a fresh new XP Home, fully updated, SP3, all updates,
>>>> etc
>>>> how do I:-
>>>>
>>>> Remove the product key I used to install this Home version, thereby
>>>> forcing
>>>> the user to enter the XP Home CoA key stuck to the notebook they
>>>> purchase
>>>> (and also reset activation)
>>>>
>>>> Remove the Computer Name I used to install XP Home, so the user has to
>>>> enter
>>>> a new machine name
>>>>
>>>> Remove any trace of the User I created, thereby forcing the purchaser
>>>> to
>>>> fill in the Users panel.
>>>>
>>>> At that point (removing all this info), I'd pull a Ghost image, and
>>>> wipe
>>>> all
>>>> the machines being rotated out. Staff have specifically requested the
>>>> machines being rotated out be wiped - I might as well Ghost XP Home on
>>>> to
>>>> them.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>>
>>>> Mark
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>
Re: Wiping corporate laptops - resetting Windows installation
"Mark B" <marximus@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ezFiigV8IHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Hi experts,
>
> The place where I work is 'rotating' a stack of older staff notebooks
> out, to be replaced with shiny new ones.
>
> Each notebook being rotated out has an XP Home CoA on it, but for our
> workplace we (legally) used a VLK.
>
> After installing a fresh new XP Home, fully updated, SP3, all updates,
> etc how do I:-
>
> Remove the product key I used to install this Home version, thereby
> forcing the user to enter the XP Home CoA key stuck to the notebook
> they purchase (and also reset activation)
>
> Remove the Computer Name I used to install XP Home, so the user has to
> enter a new machine name
>
> Remove any trace of the User I created, thereby forcing the purchaser
> to fill in the Users panel.
>
> At that point (removing all this info), I'd pull a Ghost image, and
> wipe all the machines being rotated out. Staff have specifically
> requested the machines being rotated out be wiped - I might as well
> Ghost XP Home on to them.
>
After all of the replies to this thread, it still doesn't look like
anyone has answered your question...
While you are at it, you can preserve the OEM pre-activation per http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...chNet.10).aspx as
well. This might be a good idea since per that article "In order to
reduce a significant source of piracy, Microsoft has disabled online
activation for COA Keys that are attached to PCs that have been
pre-activated by OEMs."
Wiping corporate laptops - resetting Windows installation 
Linear Mode
