(no interest in pirating, but). . .

[bridgeofjedge]

received a kick-down computer, an ibm netvista 2001, with 20Gb hdd and several other desirable features, but when it arrived, the hdd was formatted/ deleted out. . . my question is, the MS certified sticker remains on the back of computer by power outlet, and the computer was purchased with windows ME installed. . . remaining unable to UNFORMAT/ UNERASE, does MS recognize the lost disk factor, and allow for a replacement copy of the original OS?
the issue revolves around the OS belonging to that computer i suppose, not to the previous owner to which it was registered. . .
this sounds dirty-- and i assure you i am not unwilling to purchase ME or another OS (in fact, yearn to use linux red hat, of which i have a copy of version 8 and the red hat bible), but just having some windows familiarity i wld like to start with that OS to configure the computer. . . then set up a dual-boot system, installing another hdd down the road and have a program-building environment, and learn multi-platform, dual-boot configuration. . . can start building programs and test in separate environments. . .), but i regard this issue with a certain naivity i wld like to confirm/ settle. . .
i can also attest to the fact that the previous owner purchased a new version of the windows xp with his new ibm system.

thank you
j.edge.

[saphalline]

If the previous owner has no Windows CD to give you or even a f*cking restore CD, then I suggest emailing IBM and seeing if you can get it from them. You have the MS sticker on the case but no OS, in which case IBM could be in trouble for selling a license with no CD of any kind. Now they're probably legal because of their high-priced lawyers and such, but the license follows the PC it is/was on, so...

Failing that, contact Microsoft themselves and see what can be done. Take pictures of the sticker if requested, but don't send them the original unless you go with it! It would also be good to have the original receipt of the computer (with the fine print of being sold a Windows OS as well) in case things get nasty. MS would call it "complicated" but we all know what MS speak means! ("bug" into "feature"? please!!)

[mjc]

You have the license....in order for the transfer to to be completely legit, you should have received the disk that goes with that license. The license should be vaild, so yes, you should be able to use it, even with another disk.