Vista key worn off, HD dead

[MM PC Solutions]

What about OEM Certs?

 

[morr]

.....I have no way of knowing which was on here. Anybody know which base flavor vista vostro 1520's came with???

Using the service tag you can find out exactly which version of windows was originally installed directly from Dell

 

[ell]

Using the service tag you can find out exactly which version of windows was originally installed directly from Dell

I don't have a service tag, (thats worn off too) I can see a "express service code" it is longer, and won't work where you enter a code, I went all through their site trying to use it, then I talked to a rep, he could pull it up, but wouldn't help me. I'm installing dell vista basic now, hope it works or I'll be trying them again!!! geeez

 

[coreyspeed]

i have a Dell vostro 1510 and the defualt os is vista business

 

[stevenamills]

I don't have a service tag, (thats worn off too) I can see a "express service code" it is longer, and won't work where you enter a code, I went all through their site trying to use it, then I talked to a rep, he could pull it up, but wouldn't help me. I'm installing dell vista basic now, hope it works or I'll be trying them again!!! geeez

I believe the service tag is in the BIOS,

 

[ell]

Using the service tag you can find out exactly which version of windows was originally installed directly from Dell

well heres the final deal, I called Dell back, and after getting bounced around a couple times they finally informed me it was vista business orig installed, he said like everyone here, install it with any dell oem vista business cd and it will not require activation....well I found that is right-but only with original ones, I downloaded a oem dell business copy iso, it installed fine, had the dell logo and everything on the basic information window, but it still said I had 30 days to activate, and ofcourse when I tried to activate it said my key was invalid. Steaming, I called Dell back and they finally agreed to send me a vista biz cd along with a driver cd for free, SO I guess the OEM cd's cannot be copies!!! My customer called today about his laptop too, I had to explain that it will be 2 more days til the cds arrive!

 

[ell]

Dell should help you out on this one.

The key word here is "Should" the problem is dell is almost 100% outsourced and the time you will spend talking to them you might as well just pay for a new license yourself. I would try sourcing a Dell restore disk for Vista. If I had one I would image it for you but I don't. Call around to people you know and see if anyone has a restore disk. The biggest problem is most cookie cutter company's don't provide restore disks anymore unless you pay for them. Its BS I agree but i guess its the way things go now. Company's are trying so hard to save money I guess a .10 cent restore disk is not in there budget. This is why customers pay us do take care of there problems.

I don't want to post a direct link but Btjunkie has some Dell restore disks. Just search "dell vista". Hope that helps.

Yup, I tried that, got a oem dell business, installed fine, had dell logo on system info, but it still said key was invalid

 

[nXtGenPC]

Im in same situation with a LG Netbook. I really think this is a scam as well... why do manufacturers put a paper sticker thats wear and tear? Why dont they laminate them or something?

Dont blame the manufactures... blame MS for this one... The windows XP ones had like a lamanating plastic over and never wore out, these Vista/ 7 paper ones are "greener" but there a pain in the frackin ass

 

[nXtGenPC]

I believe the service tag is in the BIOS,

Yep, Dell's Service Tag is always in the bios

 

[ell]

Dont blame the manufactures... blame MS for this one... The windows XP ones had like a lamanating plastic over and never wore out, these Vista/ 7 paper ones are "greener" but there a pain in the frackin ass

exactly, I have a couple more in now that are barely legible! fortunately a reinstall is not required!

 

[nXtGenPC]

exactly, I have a couple more in now that are barely legible! fortunately a reinstall is not required!

I have had to turn to my technet account more then once because of these cheap labels, so what I do now is if a customer comes in with a still legable key, I put clear packing tape over it and cut around the labe (as the tape is much wider) and I always make sure to point this out to the customer and how it can save them hundreds for a new licence down the road, they love it and cant stop thanking me enough (plus ever since I started this I have seen those very same computers come back for all there issues)

John

 

[ell]

I have had to turn to my technet account more then once because of these cheap labels, so what I do now is if a customer comes in with a still legable key, I put clear packing tape over it and cut around the labe (as the tape is much wider) and I always make sure to point this out to the customer and how it can save them hundreds for a new licence down the road, they love it and cant stop thanking me enough (plus ever since I started this I have seen those very same computers come back for all there issues)

John

great tip, I should've done it with the one that just went out, I'm going to do it from now on, most of my customers are repeats.

 

[ell]

I have had to turn to my technet account more then once because of these cheap labels, so what I do now is if a customer comes in with a still legable key, I put clear packing tape over it and cut around the labe (as the tape is much wider) and I always make sure to point this out to the customer and how it can save them hundreds for a new licence down the road, they love it and cant stop thanking me enough (plus ever since I started this I have seen those very same computers come back for all there issues)

John

I got the oem dell dvds today, did ANOTHER clean install, and guess what? 30 days to activate, invalid key!!! So Dell tells me to flash the bios now, I did, reinstalled again-still invalid!!!!! So time for a 3rd call to msft, and after 3 transfers I finally get a guy to give me a working key, his explanation was because Dell sent me a REINSTALLATION dvd that it would require a new key from msft, Dell ofcourse said no key was required!? Agh, I'm exhausted, going to bed!

 

[sapphire_blue]

Great idea with the technet keys. I have so many that I don't use so this will give me a use for them.

 

[MMoore]

If you are installing Windows with a Dell Factory installation disc on a Dell computer it will not ask you for a product key.

You're correct! This was my reply as well.

 

[Daifne]

Great idea with the technet keys. I have so many that I don't use so this will give me a use for them.

No it isn't. It's against the Technet terms.