Can't Partition with OEM WinXP [LWN.net]

Can't Partition with OEM WinXP

Posted Sep 14, 2002 16:35 UTC (Sat) by ajcamp (guest, #3244)
In reply to: Toshiba won't let you install Linux! by rmdirms
Parent article: The Toshiba Standoff (Linux Journal)

Thanks,

Tried, but the problem is the Toshiba "OEM RESTORE" CD. You have to boot from it and run it to attempt an install of XP, and it won't let you break in and prevent the repartitioning and destruction of the Linux partition.

A retail XP version would allow this, but M$ is not getting another penny from me. This whole argument is over $75 for PartitionMagic, but I don't think the customer should be forced to pay.

I ended up installing Linux with WIN2000 and all is well technically.

About the Ranting -
I used to work in HP support, and the reason I ranted with the toshiba manager was that they (managers not tech support staff) do in fact report on calls from disgruntled customers. Support is expensive and they're always looking at ways to reduce costs - by eliminating the biggest recurring customer problems. The opinions of support staff really carry no weight, but when managers categorize the number of complaint calls from CUSTOMERS then they listen.

They do the histogram statistic thing and rate the worst customer complaints, and if enough linux users call and complain (vote) then the Linux-Microsoft Bully issue rises on their charts, and eventually gets increasing attention. I think that it has to be the harware manufacturers that sway microsoft - they're the paying customer. It's just a matter of time before the pressure on M$ becomes formidable.

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