When IBM reimages a hard drive do you get a new COA?

[reltor]

I am hoping someone can help me out. My t42 is being sent in for hardware and software issues. The version of xp that is on it (the way I bought it used) is unable to be validated at Microsoft.com. It had a Volume license key from the previous owners company or something. In addition to checking the hardware, they are set to reimage the hard drive.

Will IBM put a new OEM copy of XP prof. on the machine when they reimage?, or do they do some sort of hard drive clone?

Does anyone know if SP2 comes installed with current reimaging?

I want to be able to update from microsoft when new things come out.

Thank You

[440roadrunner]

I would say "ask IBM."


I would guess "no."

You would be expecting IBM to give you free software, as you don't actually have legal claim to the operating system that was on there.

"Volume" licenses are sold to big companies FOR USE BY the company machines--those licenses are not to be freely distributed for individual use outside the corporate pool.

[Kyocera]

I would say it is likely you will get the same OS back you sent in.

[jdhurst]

The post says it is a T42. It should have a valid COA on the case, and so I don't know why IBM would apply the standard pre-load if they have to re-image the hard drive. You could purchase recovery CD's if you need to and image it yourself if need be. An IBM (to the best of my knowledge) will always work and pass muster with Microsoft. ... JD Hurst

[Guz]

It the system was orginally sold with XP Pro, and if sticker on the bottom says XP Pro, you will get XP Pro when they reimage the drive.

As for SP2 being already on when you get the system back? Not sure. It might. But don't be upset if it doesn't, just download it and install it.

Sounds like the previous owner didn't like the OEM setup/install, and did a fresh install with a pirate key.