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Just bought a new notebook. My daughters first one. It's an Acer 5610
series w/ Vista Home.
It has some problems that I'm suggesting to my daughter that it should be
taken back.
The volume cannot be turned up loud enough (amplifier not strong enough for
comfortable listening level) and
it periodically gives a black screen (full screen blank) for a couple of
seconds then resumes where it left off while either watching a DVD or
playing a game. It might be that since it was the last one in the store and
was the display model, that software got corrupted. I may try to use the
full restore CD. Well, actually, it says it's an upgrade CD that came with
it.
This brings up my main question. The OS was already working and the
salesperson had to delete their user profile before giving it to us. My
daughter created another admin user and turned off the guest profile.

1) How are we suppose to register the OS with Microsoft, or are we?

2) If I were to re-install the OS, would the key # on the label stuck to
the unit be all we need to reauthorize the OS?

3) It's been too long since I had to go through a validation process, I
can't remember if Microsoft gets my personal ID along with the purchase, or
if some official transfer should've happened from the store to my daughter.

4) I don't know if Microsoft is suppose to give a period of time of tech
support for new end users. Things change and I've lost touch.

5) And if I were to use reformat her drive, how would an Upgrade CD work
because there is suppose to already be an OS on the drive to upgrade, right?

Say it's my meds or whatever. Buying a notebook that doesn't even come with
any cables is too new for me. I need someone to tell me what's normal
nowadays. Thanks.

Kevin
 
General said:
Just bought a new notebook. My daughters first one. It's an Acer 5610
series w/ Vista Home.
It has some problems that I'm suggesting to my daughter that it should be
taken back.
The volume cannot be turned up loud enough (amplifier not strong enough for
comfortable listening level) and
it periodically gives a black screen (full screen blank) for a couple of
seconds then resumes where it left off while either watching a DVD or
playing a game. It might be that since it was the last one in the store and
was the display model, that software got corrupted. I may try to use the
full restore CD. Well, actually, it says it's an upgrade CD that came with
it.
This brings up my main question. The OS was already working and the
salesperson had to delete their user profile before giving it to us. My
daughter created another admin user and turned off the guest profile.

1) How are we suppose to register the OS with Microsoft, or are we?
Click to expand...

Nope, not necessary.
2) If I were to re-install the OS, would the key # on the label stuck to
the unit be all we need to reauthorize the OS?
Click to expand...

Yep, thats what that sticker is intended for.
3) It's been too long since I had to go through a validation process, I
can't remember if Microsoft gets my personal ID along with the purchase, or
if some official transfer should've happened from the store to my daughter.

Nope.

4) I don't know if Microsoft is suppose to give a period of time of tech
support for new end users. Things change and I've lost touch.
Click to expand...
Nope, on OEM the computer vendor's is responsible for ALL support.

5) And if I were to use reformat her drive, how would an Upgrade CD work
because there is suppose to already be an OS on the drive to upgrade, right?
Click to expand...

Put the original OS back on the drive first since it's likely one of
those image type restore CDs
Say it's my meds or whatever. Buying a notebook that doesn't even come with
any cables is too new for me. I need someone to tell me what's normal
nowadays. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Cables for what? The power adapter is the only thing with a cable.
 
1) How are we suppose to register the OS with Microsoft, or are we?

You will need to activate your OS after a fresh install. I can't say if a
repair install will require activation or not.
2) If I were to re-install the OS, would the key # on the label stuck to
the unit be all we need to reauthorize the OS?
Click to expand...

That's what they label is. Your license to run Windows. There is a GOOD
chance that it does not match the disc that you got though.

Check the installed programs, etc. and see if there is a way to create a
recovery disc.
3) It's been too long since I had to go through a validation process, I
can't remember if Microsoft gets my personal ID along with the purchase,
or
if some official transfer should've happened from the store to my
daughter.
Click to expand...

It's done automagically over the internet or by a phonecall to Microsoft
after you've installed the OS. You've got a while to actually do the
activation (days) so you can mess with drivers and software until the PC is
just right and THEN activate. (I'm remember for XP, so it may be different
with Vista)
4) I don't know if Microsoft is suppose to give a period of time of tech
support for new end users. Things change and I've lost touch.
Click to expand...

Nope. It's the laptop manufacturer to does the support. That's what OEM is
about. Acer gets their Windows cheaper because they have to help the
customers with it instead of Microsoft.
5) And if I were to use reformat her drive, how would an Upgrade CD work
because there is suppose to already be an OS on the drive to upgrade,
right?
Click to expand...

Officially, you can't do it. Unofficially (with Vista) you do the
installation and do NOT put in the CD Key. Then you do a second installation
and it will see the first and finish installing normally.
Say it's my meds or whatever. Buying a notebook that doesn't even come
with
any cables is too new for me. I need someone to tell me what's normal
nowadays. Thanks.
Click to expand...

The only cable a laptop should come with is the power brick/cable.

And finally my two cents worth... If you have Windows XP, install that
INSTEAD of Vista. You WILL be happier in the long run.
 
Kevin
All of those questions have been answered by other people.............I am
here to urge you to take it back and let them fix it.
The laptop came with a warranty.......you paid for that warranty......the
unit was a "demonstator".
Take it back to the store explain the problem and ask them to do a "Restore
Install" this should format the HD and reinstall the Operating System as
well as all of the programs that came with the unit. When you get it home
"ghost" that brand new installation to a DVD and put it away in a safe
place.Thats your "backup" in case you need to do this again...or if your HD
fails.Most Laptops come with a hidden restore partition where the
installation files for the OS and programs are located..the Manual usually
explains how its activated/used and also how to perform that backup.....heck
with a little reading you might even be able to do it yourself if the store
is too far away.
Acer's have a "Empowering Technology" program on them that does most of
this...
peter
 
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