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    Which Key Should i use?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Snake22, Sep 21, 2007.

  1. Snake22

    Snake22 Newbie

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    when reinstalling Vista on the 1520 which key should i use
    the serial key which is on the (operating system DVD) paper case
    or the Product key which is on the microsoft COA sticker underneath the laptop?
    what is the difference between them?
    Thnx.
     
  2. brianj320

    brianj320 Notebook Evangelist

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    if you use the Dell provided reinstall disk, you will not need to enter any serial on the 1520. the installation verifies it is a Dell laptop through the BIOS.
     
  3. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The bottom key doesn't work anyways if I recall correctly.
     
  4. Khris

    Khris Yes I am better than you!

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    Of course the Product Key on the bottom of the laptop will work......but only with an OEM version of Vista. You can't take a Retail version of Vista off the store shelf and use an OEM key.

    Why would Dell send you a Key that wasn't valid?
     
  5. gridtalker

    gridtalker Notebook Virtuoso

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    I always use the dell key
     
  6. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It's proof of purchase, the OEM #serial is legit but is tied to the restore CD IIRC.
     
  7. Snake22

    Snake22 Newbie

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    So both of them are working serial keys?
    this mean i can use them both?
    for example can i use one of them to install vista on a desktop computer?and the other for the laptop or what? :)
    i csnt understand this please some one tell me the difference between them
    thnx