Where exactly are service tags and OEM OS keys stored in Dell laptops?

Where exactly are Dell service tags and OEM OS serial keys stored on Dell laptops? When you reinstall Windows, you don't need to enter the serial key because the laptop has the key linked to it. Where though? I read it's in the BIOS but isn't the BIOS part of the motherboard?

I'm about to change my M1330 motherboard and am just wondering if my service tag and/or my original Vista key will no longer be linked to/remembered by the laptop once I put the new motherboard in.

Would anyone know? Thanks

 

I realise they're on the bottom of the case but that wasn't my question..

Where exactly are service tags and OEM OS keys stored in Dell laptops?

 

I don't think they actually store OEM keys in the laptops... but the service tag is (as far as I know) always stored in the BIOS subsystem. I say subsystem because it might not actually be on the same chip as the actual BIOS, but on some separate ROM chip, etc.

 

The OS keys are in the BIOS/SLIC. All Dell notebooks of the same generation (all M1330s for instance) will use the same key.

 

Motherboard replacement will not affect reinstalling Vista as long as the service tag is set in the BIOS.

 

So once replacing the motherboard, I'd have to set the service tag myself?

 

If Dell are shipping out a MoBo to you it should come with the with a disk with tools to set service tag. If an Dell Tec is replacing your MoBo they will do this for you. Tool to edit your service tag are on Dell ftp or Google for it. (Service tag editor) or (svctag. exe)

 

Thanks, I just googled it and downloaded the iso. I'll give it a try once I've installed the motherboard. I bought the motherboard myself and am replacing it myself (2nd hand M1330 came with nvidia but changing to intel to avoid problems).

 

I guess no one here really knows what a SLIC (Software Licensing Description Table) is...

I thought it held exactly the information that the OP was asking about.

 

I don't think this is entirely true. Yes, the key is stored in the BIOS/SLIC, but they are not all the same. A different key is used for each edition of Windows (Home Premium, Ultimate, etc.). So it is important to get the correct motherboard if you can. If the BIOS/SLIC is programmed for Home Premium and you try to install Ultimate, you will be prompted for the Windows activation key. If this is the case, then you have to enter the key located on the sticker on the bottom of the laptop (assuming it is a key for Ultimate).

The service tag has nothing to do with the installation or activation of Windows. The service tag is just simply the computer's serial number.

 

@Codester - The different editions make no difference whatsoever. Different versions of Windows may or may not activate depending on the SLIC table in the BIOS. Essentially, the activation is hardware agnostic as long as the proper SLIC table is in the BIOS (i.e. to activate Windows 7, SLIC table 2.1 must be in the BIOS). For example, if the system was sold with Win7 and you are running the latest BIOS, Win7, regardless of edition, will activate properly with Microsoft. Generally speaking, this works for downgrades as well (XP/Vista)

Also, not true always with the service tag. If it is not set and depending on the system from Dell, some do not activate properly.

 

It did. It's just that it's (for some reason) easier for most people to post "I don't understand" and wait a day or two for a reply rather than google and read for 5-10 minutes.

I've been able to install other OEM versions in the past, but whether the SLIC reads and verifies is a real hit-or-miss. I think there used to be a Vista crack based on faking the slic once upon a time, but I'm near-positive those were all patched out.

 

Is it possible to patch the BIOS and replace the current SLIC table with SLIC 2.1?

Rgds
Snaffos

 

Since the discussion is turning to using SLIC tables to illegally activate Windows, thread closed.

If you have activation issues, contact Microsoft or the Manufacturer.