Windows Lisence Keys

S

Sumio

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I have a pc that does not boot, the hard drive seems to be partially ok. Some time back I ran a program to retrieve the Windows Key from an OS, but that was when I could boot into it.
Just some questions I Have:

1. The dead hard Drive : Is there a way of retrieving the Key from it ? It's not corrupted or anything, I see all the files on it from linux, it is just the Windows OS that does not boot properly.

2. I have the following keys in my possesion, how can I use these, or rather what are they?

- Windows XP Starter Edtn Africa LtdDistOnly Mecer/Posiflex
- Windows Xp Home Edition OEM Software

- Windows Key - This key is found at the back of a Windows 7 laptop, but does not contain any additional Info. Just the key itself. It's for Windows 7, but I do not know what version (Pro/Home etc) idk.
-Windows XP Home Edition - This Windows key is old, and damaged but the key is still visible. I cannot see if it is OEM, or anything.

So I have these keys, but no Windows discs. I would like to set up atleast One Windows PC to replace my old one, but ya these keys seem specific to one particular OS. Is there a way of finding out what Windows Version these keys belong to?
 
AFAIK the stickers that they put on the bottom of the laptops or the side of pc cases do not contain the actual key.
 
In my experience the stickers usually does have the product key on...
 
stevovo said:
AFAIK the stickers that they put on the bottom of the laptops or the side of pc cases do not contain the actual key.
Click to expand...

Um, yes they do, unless the writing has been rubbed off by constant friction against the sticker.
But it should normally be on there.
 
Garyvdh said:
Um, yes they do, unless the writing has been rubbed off by constant friction against the sticker.
But it should normally be on there.
Click to expand...

I got a new laptop and the cd key on the bottom did not match the key used for the windows installation, so maybe some brands use some special volume licence key?

EDIT:

Ok I was thinking of something else...

Sometimes you can run into a problem where if you don't use the correct disc then it complains that the key under the laptop is invalid. But I think that is mainly a problem with xp.
 
Last edited:
The key underneath new laptops and on top of new desktops is an OEM key.
It will only work with an OEM installation.

And when you buy a retail version of Windows the product key sticker is supposed to be pulled off the disk box and stuck on the box/laptop.


OEM stickers are large
Retail stickers are small.
 
Thanks for the info, I just visited the Online PID checker website :)
I think Microsoft is a rip of though, creating multiple version's of a single OS. And then they try stop piracy :|
 
bubbatentoe said:
The key underneath new laptops and on top of new desktops is an OEM key.
It will only work with an OEM installation.

And when you buy a retail version of Windows the product key sticker is supposed to be pulled off the disk box and stuck on the box/laptop.


OEM stickers are large
Retail stickers are small.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's what I should have said in the beginning :D

Sorry I was a bit confused.
 
If you're a company, try a MAP (Microsoft Action Pack).
I don't like stickers on my machines. Most of them have come off or are illegible.
 
yip : Buy new laptop, Take Photo of sticker and make sure its readable for when its needed :)
 
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