Product ID different than supplied by mfg

[MedRxman]

I used a key finder program to find the product ID for my operating syste,
Windows XP Pro and also used Belarc Advisor and both returned the same
product ID. The question is why does the found Product ID differ from the
Certified ID sticker on the bottom of my laptop provided by DELL?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I used a key finder program to find the product ID for my operating
syste, Windows XP Pro and also used Belarc Advisor and both returned
the same product ID. The question is why does the found Product ID
differ from the Certified ID sticker on the bottom of my laptop
provided by DELL?

Because Dell, like other large OEMs, creates your disk from an image used
for thousands of similar computers. Because its an image, they don't use a
different key for each of those computers.

 

[MedRxman]

Would I thenbe able to use either Product ID to re-install the operating
system if necessary?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Would I thenbe able to use either Product ID to re-install the
operating system if necessary?

No, use the one on your sticker.

 

[Nepatsfan]

As long as you use the reinstallation procedure Dell provides
you won't have to use either key. The installation will not
require you to enter a key. It will also not require
activation.

Did you receive a Dell branded XP installation CD with your
laptop? If you did and you're curious, there's a file in the
I386 folder on the installation CD named winnt.sif. If you open
that file in notepad (make sure you uncheck "Always use the
selected program to open this type of file") you should find
the key that the key finder program displayed. That key will be
used to install XP and since it's used on a Dell computer it
will not require activation.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

In

 

[MedRxman]

Thank you,
I do have a installation cd plus there is a hidden partition for
reinstallation. In addition I make an image of the C drive about every 2 to
3 months.

This posting was a FYI question which has been answered to satisfy my
curiosity.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I used a key finder program to find the product ID for my operating syste,
Windows XP Pro and also used Belarc Advisor and both returned the same
product ID. The question is why does the found Product ID differ from the
Certified ID sticker on the bottom of my laptop provided by DELL?

If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since
reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is that 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. Should you ever need to re-install the OS, use the
Product Key from the CoA label affixed to the computer.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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

 

[Nepatsfan]

You're welcome.

Nepatsfan

Thank you,
I do have a installation cd plus there is a hidden partition
for reinstallation. In addition I make an image of the C
drive about every 2 to 3 months.

This posting was a FYI question which has been answered to
satisfy my curiosity.