Two XP machines, same product key

[PanHandler]

Yesterday I bought a new eMachine at Wal-Mart for $298, with XP Home
preinstalled. After getting it configured and loading some programs I wanted
to get some info on the machine, so I loaded the Aida SysInfo utility and
while poking around in it noticed that the OS key looked familiar. I went to
my list of machines/keys on my other computers and found the SAME key in use
on one of my old (5 Year) eMachines that I sold about a year ago! I read
both keys at least five times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.
What the hell? What are the odds of M$ doing that accidentally, and on top
of that, the chances an individual would ever catch it? How the hell can
this be?

PS:
XP was preloaded, so it didn't even do the validation thing.

 

[smlunatick]

Yesterday I bought a new eMachine at Wal-Mart for $298, with XP Home
preinstalled. After getting it configured and loading some programs I wanted
to get some info on the machine, so I loaded the Aida SysInfo utility and
while poking around in it noticed that the OS key looked familiar. I wentto
my list of machines/keys on my other computers and found the SAME key in use
on one of my old (5 Year) eMachines that I sold about a year ago! I read
both keys at least five times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.
What the hell? What are the odds of M$ doing that accidentally, and on top
of that, the chances an individual would ever catch it? How the hell can
this be?

PS:
XP was preloaded, so it didn't even do the validation thing.

eMachine, as well as large computer makers (Dell, HP, Lenovo) each
have a special bulk install license. Microsoft permits this since the
PCs are produced in large quantities. However, with the XP recovery
method provided, each PC have their own unique XP CD key sticker.

 

[PanHandler]

Yesterday I bought a new eMachine at Wal-Mart for $298, with XP Home
preinstalled. After getting it configured and loading some programs I
wanted
to get some info on the machine, so I loaded the Aida SysInfo utility and
while poking around in it noticed that the OS key looked familiar. I went
to
my list of machines/keys on my other computers and found the SAME key in
use
on one of my old (5 Year) eMachines that I sold about a year ago! I read
both keys at least five times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.
What the hell? What are the odds of M$ doing that accidentally, and on top
of that, the chances an individual would ever catch it? How the hell can
this be?

PS:
XP was preloaded, so it didn't even do the validation thing.

eMachine, as well as large computer makers (Dell, HP, Lenovo) each
have a special bulk install license. Microsoft permits this since the
PCs are produced in large quantities. However, with the XP recovery
method provided, each PC have their own unique XP CD key sticker.

OK. I did see that the sticker is different than what Aida reports. Which
key is recognized by M$?

 

[Bob I]

eMachine, as well as large computer makers (Dell, HP, Lenovo) each
have a special bulk install license. Microsoft permits this since the
PCs are produced in large quantities. However, with the XP recovery
method provided, each PC have their own unique XP CD key sticker.

OK. I did see that the sticker is different than what Aida reports. Which
key is recognized by M$?

If you reinstall you will have to provide the one on the PC sticker.

 

[Xandros]

eMachine, as well as large computer makers (Dell, HP, Lenovo) each
have a special bulk install license. Microsoft permits this since the
PCs are produced in large quantities. However, with the XP recovery
method provided, each PC have their own unique XP CD key sticker.

OK. I did see that the sticker is different than what Aida reports. Which
key is recognized by M$?

Both keys are acceptable. However when, or if, you use the Recovery Disc set
that came with the new computer the old key that AIDA found will not work
during setup. You will need to supply the Product Key on the sticker which
will work with the Restore Discs.

Many companies have license agreements with Microsoft that enable them to
use the same Product Key for mass install purposes. That way unattended
installs can be done at the factory. These keys will allow activation to be
done. However the software that is supplied with the new computer will have
a different Product Key. Therefore you have the key on the sticker that
differs from the one that was used during the initial factory installation.

Don't worry about trying to change the key until such time that you decide
to reinstall using your Recovery Discs. Make certain you write the Product
Key down from the sticker and keep it with your Restore CDs in a safe place.

 

[PanHandler]

Thanks for the help people!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Yesterday I bought a new eMachine at Wal-Mart for $298, with XP Home
preinstalled. After getting it configured and loading some programs I wanted
to get some info on the machine, so I loaded the Aida SysInfo utility and
while poking around in it noticed that the OS key looked familiar. I went to
my list of machines/keys on my other computers and found the SAME key in use
on one of my old (5 Year) eMachines that I sold about a year ago! I read
both keys at least five times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.
What the hell? What are the odds of M$ doing that accidentally, and on top
of that, the chances an individual would ever catch it? How the hell can
this be?

PS:
XP was preloaded, so it didn't even do the validation thing.

If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since
reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably of the drive
image used at the factory and not your specific Product Key; therefore,
it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not be -- used for a
re-installation.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[PanHandler]

If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since reinstalled
the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably of the drive image used at
the factory and not your specific Product Key; therefore, it probably
cannot be -- and definitely should not be -- used for a re-installation.

A year or so ago, before selling the aforementioned eMachine, I reinstalled
the OS and used that key - it was on the case. Over the 5 or so years I had
it I reinstalled at least one other time. Each time I used the supplied
restore disc, and if I recall correctly it was done with a ('Ghost ?)
utility of some sort.