New computer owners.

[helloimtim]

Just an idea. THIS is not any any way illegal!! After you purchse a new computer from one of the big companys I suggest this. Call tec support and request restoration disks. They cannot be used on someone else computer. I own a compaq and its the first thing I did. I believe its who you talk to tec support wise and the mood they are in. The disks are free and reset your computer to the just out of the box settings. Back up all your programs. Yes I know xp offers the same I just think the restore disks are alot better and you wont risk a virus. Even if you have to "trick them" into sending them you paid for them anyway. Its been my experience that a virus will attack the "protected" back up xp on your harddrive...........peace......im out.......

[Statica]

Most manufacturers do provide you with restore disks; and they aren't half as useful as getting manufacturers to provide the OS installation disks; you do not need to trick anyone or advocate acquiring these CDs through less than scupulous means. Compaq has been providing restore disks for a while now. Secondly, be warned that running these disks will only give you back what you had when you bought the computer. Most people like to add their own software or sometimes even their own hardware.
A better suggestion is to make your own restore disks periodically.