WinXP CD Key

[NoneOfBusiness]

Isn't it known as a VLK (volume licensing key)?

The product key revealed by Everest on this Dell, for example, is the very
same as the one on dozens of Dell's in my place of work.

Each machine, however, obviously has a unique COA on the side of the
machine.

Leaving aside the licensing issues, I wonder what *would* happen if you
tried to enter the Dell VLK (for example, when trying to install a Dell copy
of Windows onto a non-Dell machine).

I believe Dell does a BIOS check on install, at least on their
business lines. One interesting thing is that it only works for clean
loads. If you make an image of a dell, and transfer the image to a non
dell , it appears to work.

I do not recommend doing this as it violates the EULA but it worked in
a test.

In addition, these same dells do not require activation of XP Pro.
Apparently they have it included in their OEM OS cd and works across
their various business product lines.

 

[NoneOfBusiness]

When I was beta testing XP this issue came up and you can't install on
another PC. it is tied to to thr serial number of the PC it was installed
on.. Onr license--one machine. It is quite secure on this issue.

Image that pc and restore it to a non dell as a test. I bet it
works...

 

[Olaf Zaplinski]

From what I understand, your HP OEM license can only be used with the
original HP machine it was provided with. It is not supposed to be
transferred to another machine. This is exactly what the Microsoft is
trying to put a stop to with its recent change in the activation procedure.

OK, maybe this would be a license violation in the US, but here in
Germany there had been several lawsuits. At last, MS was told that it is
not illegal to transfer an OEM license to another machine as long as
that license is used only once.

Olaf

 

[Bruce Chambers]

OK, maybe this would be a license violation in the US, but here in
Germany there had been several lawsuits. At last, MS was told that it is
not illegal to transfer an OEM license to another machine as long as
that license is used only once.

Olaf

This isn't a matter of licensing, but rather a purely technical issue.

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any
retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice
versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD,
and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD. Bottom
line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.

--

Bruce Chambers

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