I recently purchased a Dell laptop with Vista 64 bit. I want to use the CD to install vista on my desktop but for some god damn reason the CD key isnt anywhere on the computer. Does anyone have any experience with this sort of situation or know where you can go to find out about CD keys?
Windows CD Key
- Thread starter clint g
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Run this utility on your Dell laptop. It should get you the CD-Key.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
Not that I care really, but legally you can only run one licensed copy of Windows at a time. If you install it on your desktop, you "in theory" need to uninstall it from your laptop. You would need to purchase Windows Vista in order to run it on your desktop and retain the O/S on your laptop.
Again, not that I care... just say'n
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
Not that I care really, but legally you can only run one licensed copy of Windows at a time. If you install it on your desktop, you "in theory" need to uninstall it from your laptop. You would need to purchase Windows Vista in order to run it on your desktop and retain the O/S on your laptop.
Again, not that I care... just say'n
You'll probably have to call Dell.
Be warned, however, that a pre-installed OS is almost always OEM. They generally have a "generic" Key they use at the factory. It's a non-single user license that the software company (MS) sells to Dell basically at a bulk rate.
This allows the manufactures to ship computers usable. The catch of it is, the end user doesn't actually "own" the OS; he is just allowed to use it. This is more or less spelled out in the EULA.
To legally own your own copy and install it yourself, you pretty much have to buy it yoursel. If you call Dell and cause enough fuss, they might tell you what it is, but I doubt it. Anti-piracy paranoia has risen so high that you just can't get away with that sort of thing like you could five or ten years ago.
If the computer did come with a disk, it's probably only meant for repair and restoration purposes or to be used by a licensed Dell tech guy.
It's the disk is an actually Microsoft Windows CD/DVD (which is really rare) there should be a sticker on the face with the Key on it. If it's not, then your best bet would to just try calling Microsoft.
Be warned, however, that a pre-installed OS is almost always OEM. They generally have a "generic" Key they use at the factory. It's a non-single user license that the software company (MS) sells to Dell basically at a bulk rate.
This allows the manufactures to ship computers usable. The catch of it is, the end user doesn't actually "own" the OS; he is just allowed to use it. This is more or less spelled out in the EULA.
To legally own your own copy and install it yourself, you pretty much have to buy it yoursel. If you call Dell and cause enough fuss, they might tell you what it is, but I doubt it. Anti-piracy paranoia has risen so high that you just can't get away with that sort of thing like you could five or ten years ago.
If the computer did come with a disk, it's probably only meant for repair and restoration purposes or to be used by a licensed Dell tech guy.
It's the disk is an actually Microsoft Windows CD/DVD (which is really rare) there should be a sticker on the face with the Key on it. If it's not, then your best bet would to just try calling Microsoft.
G
Garrovick
Guest
If it's the OEM install disk for the computer, just install it, then call MS and they will give you a new key.
This is mentioned under "Known Problems" about halfway down the page.
Here's the developer's comments about AV software and the ProductKey tool.
Well, the way dell usually works is they send you a DVD with the OS on it and attached to the computer is the little green Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity that has the 25 digit code on it. For whatever reason they didn't do it this time for this comp. I did as you suggested though and was able to convince dell to mail me a Certificate.
I also tried out that software thing mentioned up thread and it worked. Pretty nifty program that I will be keeping with me for a long while
Thanks for all the help!
If I remember correctly (and I really should because I worked for Dell only a year ago) you don't need the product key when installing a Windows OEM disc from Dell, it will skip that stage of the installation. The downside to that is that it is locked into whatever version of Windows came on the OEM disc, so you can't use a Home Premium disc to install Ultimate if you have somehow "acquired" an Ultimate key.
Not that anybody here would do such a heinous thing.
Not that anybody here would do such a heinous thing.
If I remember correctly (and I really should because I worked for Dell only a year ago) you don't need the product key when installing a Windows OEM disc from Dell, it will skip that stage of the installation. The downside to that is that it is locked into whatever version of Windows came on the OEM disc, so you can't use a Home Premium disc to install Ultimate if you have somehow "acquired" an Ultimate key.
Not that anybody here would do such a heinous thing.
Yes you're correct.
OEMs like Dell, are able to set the images up so you can install Windows without needing the product key.
However this generally applies when use their system recovery facilities. If you try and install Windows buy it's self then you can run into problems.
If you need a product key for a re-install you'll need to speak to Dell. Microsoft won't support you on an OEM version - I've been down that path with product keys my self.
If you're still using the recently purchased notebook, it isn't legal for you to install the OS elsewhere.
I'm being told that OEM products are for the device they are sold with and no other. Since you've mentioned your intent is to use this OEM product on another machine, it makes this a question of creating an unlicensed installation, which is software piracy, and against board rules, so thread closes.
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