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    Dell Product key

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by raz1337, Oct 27, 2008.

  1. raz1337

    raz1337 Notebook Evangelist

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    I have a Dell Vostro 1700 laptop. Just the other day I realized there was a product key on the bottom of the laptop. That makes me wonder. Can I use that product key with a retail copy of vista?
     
    raz1337, Oct 27, 2008
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  2. vinumsv

    vinumsv MobileFreak™

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    AFAIK it will work .. as long as you're selecting the correct Vista Flavor, that is if the Key is for Vista Home Prem then you can only install home prem ( 32 / 64bit) and Vista Installer will adjust itself accordingly .

    check out this post

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=119587
     
    vinumsv, Oct 27, 2008
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  3. I♥RAM

    I♥RAM Notebook Deity

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    I hear OEM doesn't work with retail...
     
    I♥RAM, Oct 27, 2008
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  4. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    There are only two types of Vista discs, 32-bit and 64-bit. The disc itself does is not distinguished between "retail" and "OEM" outside of what's printed on the top of the disc.

    On the other hand, licenses are distinguished between OEM and retail. Most OEM licenses will not activate automatically, and require you to call Microsoft to activate a copy. Retail licenses on the other hand will activate automatically.
     
    Lithus, Oct 27, 2008
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  5. Full-English

    Full-English Notebook Deity

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    This is true. Everytime I do a fresh install on both my desktop and laptop, i have to call microsoft , I have to give 9 banks of 6 digit numbers, then a dull sounding womans voice gives me the same back. This then activates vista.
     
    Full-English, Oct 27, 2008
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  6. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    The version of Vista that shipped with your computer uses a volume license key (VLK). The key that is underneath your laptop is only for your laptop. You are not allowed to use that key with any other Vista installation.

    Besides, if you have a retail version of Vista, you already have a key. Why would you need a second (OEM) key?
     
    kegobeer, Oct 27, 2008
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  7. Darth Bane

    Darth Bane Dark Lord of the Sith

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    I installed a retail vista ultimate on my hp laptop, and took the vista home premium key that originally came with the laptop and used it without having to call Microsoft.
     
    Darth Bane, Oct 27, 2008
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  8. raz1337

    raz1337 Notebook Evangelist

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    I lost my Dell CD, and I'd like to reinstall.
     
    raz1337, Oct 27, 2008
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  9. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    You can use that key, it will be recognized as a valid key while installing, but you’ll have to call MS to activate. I’ve done that few times.

    Not sure about the legal side of this, but I guess it is all right, otherwise MS won’t give you an activation code right ?
     
    PhoenixFx, Oct 27, 2008
    #9