Why Don't New Computers Include The Windows CD?

I've been looking to buy a new laptop, but I can't seem to find one that includes the Windows CD with the serial code that you need in case you ever have to reinstall it. What if the hard drive crashes and now you have to purchase windows all over again?

Does anyone know of any laptop brands that include the CD?

 

I agree with you here it's a bad idea

There may not be much you can do about it. Except look around and ask.

They should include the windows COA / CD-KEY on the bottom of the laptop.

What are you looking for in a laptop anyways.

 

I think it is just a matter of money saving.

You can make a backup CD/DVD from most laptops as a one off copy and it is best to do it when the laptop is new so you have the original setup without any additions.

 

If you do not have the option of making a restore CD as BILLMCC66 suggested, then I suggest you purchase an external hard drive and Acronis or a similar product to make a hard drive image regularly.

 

I'm looking for a lower-priced laptop but I want it to have an HDMI plug. So here's what I've been considering:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115727

I've read there's something called an i386 folder that lets you make a backup CD, but I'm worried about a hard drive failure some day, and then there's no i386 folder. And what about those times when you're trying to do something and the computer tells you to insert the Windows CD? :confused

Basically, I just need a laptop that comes with the dang CD. :crybaby

 

Good luck with that. There has been a number of rants here on this subject, including one started by me once.

I just bought a new lappy, the very first thing I did was making the recovery DVDs, five in all.

I had checked numerous stores, including one that does custom builds, (not for lappys however), none offered an original Win 7 install disk. :major

 

Well, this is disappointing. I mean, I appreciate the feedback, but dayumn, you'd think they'd hook us up with the CD!

Now I'm prolly gonna get this instead: http://www.amazon.com/Acer-Computer...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1274636555&sr=8-1

It's a little cheaper but it's got a Blu-Ray drive. :cool

 

My ASUS laptop came with a utility called "AI Recovery Burner". It images the had drive and makes recovery DVDs that are way more current (obviously) than the initial Windows 7 Recovery disk that came with the laptop. I don't know if Acer includes something like that with their laptops, but it's worth looking into.

 

Not bad at all, a BD-ROM with DVD R/RW+- Dual-sided. :major