Any way to find out the type of Windows your CD key is?

Skeeter

Skeeter

Skeeter

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Hi there

I recently purchased a second hand laptop (Dell). Having looked at it ive discovered the CD key that is installed on the machine does not match the CD key on the Windows sticker on the base? Firstly, is this normal for Dell installations? But if not, is there any way I can find out what the version of XP is that the installed key of for (Retail, OEM, Corporate, etc). It appears to be a fully legal version... (Passes WGA). I just want to know what key I should use should I reinstal Windows?

Cheers
 
dell have their own key, called an OEM royalty key

many dell systems will have the same cd key, and the xp discs (dell ones) are a bit different to a normal install disc, will only activate on a dell branded motherboard (well dell BIOS)
 
hmmmm - I've just reinstalled XP on a relatives pc using the Dell COA details stuck to the case and an OEM copy of XP Home and it validated with no problems at all

used magicaljellybean to find all keys installed

I was expecting to at least have to phone for an authorisation code but it did it over the net.:)
 
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Skeeter said:
Hi there

I recently purchased a second hand laptop (Dell). Having looked at it ive discovered the CD key that is installed on the machine does not match the CD key on the Windows sticker on the base? Firstly, is this normal for Dell installations? But if not, is there any way I can find out what the version of XP is that the installed key of for (Retail, OEM, Corporate, etc). It appears to be a fully legal version... (Passes WGA). I just want to know what key I should use should I reinstal Windows?

Cheers
Click to expand...
I have purchased 2 Dell computers recently and they had the same CD Key on them. So if you reinstall you use the one on the CD Sticker stuck to the laptop. But make a note of the one on there just incase the sticker has been swapped.
 
bledd. said:
and the xp discs (dell ones) are a bit different to a normal install disc, will only activate on a dell branded motherboard (well dell BIOS)
Click to expand...

Not true. I've activated dell xp on several machines. Where I know did not have dell anything in them.

If I remember some of the product key finders will tell you the version of xp your using, but I don't know which ones.
 
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magicaljellybean is what I use if it has no serial on the laptop or desktop
 
Yeah , MagicJellyBean is the way to go to read your Os key , but make sure you use it BEFORE you format your laptop or PC .
 
Yeah I used MagicJellyBean t get my XP Key. What I need to know is:

Is the Key on the sticker on the laptop a Dell only Key, or is the one currently installed a Dell only key? Could either be used on a different machine?
 
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