unattend.txt

[Big Al]

I'm slipstreaming my OEM XP SP2 CD with SP3.
I've reloaded before and just noticed due to some other users
questioning their CD key, that the key I got for my DELL Laptop is not
the same that seems to be embedded on the CD. I'd like to change the
CD and thought it was as simple as going to this file and fixing it.
But the key there is a 3rd key. So its not that file.

First, am I too concerned about this?
Second, anyone know how Dell does it?

 

[Nepatsfan]

I'm slipstreaming my OEM XP SP2 CD with SP3.
I've reloaded before and just noticed due to some other users questioning
their CD key, that the key I got for my DELL Laptop is not the same that seems
to be embedded on the CD. I'd like to change the CD and thought it was as
simple as going to this file and fixing it.
But the key there is a 3rd key. So its not that file.

First, am I too concerned about this?
Second, anyone know how Dell does it?

When you install XP using a Dell installation CD, it will use the CD key that's
in the winnt.sif file in the I386 folder. You won't be asked to provide a key.
You also won't have to activate your copy of XP. The CD key from the sticker on
the bottom of your laptop isn't used in this process. Do a Google search for
System Locked Preinstallation if you want more info on this topic.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[ANONYMOUS]

Dell uses its own key supplied by MS which lets users start their system
without requiring activation. The key at the back of your system is the
one you should be using with your dell supplied CD. The key in
Unattend.txt [or sometimes Winnt.sif] is for special purpose. Here are
the three different keys:

Windows XP Professional 32 bit
MVF4D-W774K-MC4VM-QY6XY-R38TB

Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
XT67V-GY7FW-GR6FR-WDK2C-8T97J

Windows XP Professional x64 bit
FM634-HJ3QK-6QVTY-RJY4R-XCR9J

The above three keys are used to preserve OEM Pre-Activation when
Re-installing Windows XP.

Hope this helps.

 

[Big Al]

When you install XP using a Dell installation CD, it will use the CD key that's
in the winnt.sif file in the I386 folder. You won't be asked to provide a key.
You also won't have to activate your copy of XP. The CD key from the sticker on
the bottom of your laptop isn't used in this process. Do a Google search for
System Locked Preinstallation if you want more info on this topic.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

Bingo!