Validating a Windows XP OEM Product Key

G

Guest

Greetings All,

I wanted to know if there is a way to validate whether or not a Windows XP Home Edition (OEM DSP version) product key is valid, or has been previously activated.

Does anybody know how I could find that information out?

I appreciate your replies...
 
J

Jupiter Jones [MVP]

There is no real way to check on activation.
However OEM can only be used on the original computer and never be
transferred regardless the condition of the original computer.
Since you are asking, you may be considering buying second hand, bad
idea...unless you need an expensive poor quality coaster.
Also many OEM will simply not function on a computer other than the
original computer.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


tkangas said:
Greetings All,

I wanted to know if there is a way to validate whether or not a
Windows XP Home Edition (OEM DSP version) product key is valid, or has
been previously activated.
 
G

Guest

Thanks Jupiter.

The DSP versions will install on any system capable of supporting XP. The OEM version you are speaking of would be the types provided with Major Suppliers, such as Compaq, Dell, etc... I know these will only install on the original computer.

I'm not looking to obtain second hand, but moreso to see if you could check a keycode for usability without opening the software.

I'm thinking more of a scenario where a retailer sells it, gets it returned, and then sells it again to another customer. With the location of the code, I don't know what could stop a buyer from copying the code, leaving the software sealed, and then returning it.

Am I clear about where I'm coming from? If not, let me know.

----- Jupiter Jones [MVP] wrote: -----

There is no real way to check on activation.
However OEM can only be used on the original computer and never be
transferred regardless the condition of the original computer.
Since you are asking, you may be considering buying second hand, bad
idea...unless you need an expensive poor quality coaster.
Also many OEM will simply not function on a computer other than the
original computer.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


tkangas said:
Greetings All,
Windows XP Home Edition (OEM DSP version) product key is valid, or has
been previously activated.
 
J

Jupiter Jones [MVP]

I think I understand now.
Like I said, there is no way to check.
However just make sure you receive the complete package when you
purchase, CD, Product Key, Certificate of Authenticity etc.
At that point you have the legal license not a thief that continued to
use it after returning it.
Worst case would be a 5 minute call to Microsoft.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


tkangas said:
Thanks Jupiter.

The DSP versions will install on any system capable of supporting
XP. The OEM version you are speaking of would be the types provided
with Major Suppliers, such as Compaq, Dell, etc... I know these will
only install on the original computer.
I'm not looking to obtain second hand, but moreso to see if you
could check a keycode for usability without opening the software.
I'm thinking more of a scenario where a retailer sells it, gets it
returned, and then sells it again to another customer. With the
location of the code, I don't know what could stop a buyer from
copying the code, leaving the software sealed, and then returning it.
 
D

D.Currie

That's exactly the reason why many stores won't take back the software. It
would be darned easy for customers to do exactly what you described.

Of course, unscrupulous employees could do the same thing. Just make sure
you're buying from a reliable source. Find out what their policy on returns
for OEM software is.

tkangas said:
Thanks Jupiter.

The DSP versions will install on any system capable of supporting XP. The
OEM version you are speaking of would be the types provided with Major
Suppliers, such as Compaq, Dell, etc... I know these will only install on
the original computer.
I'm not looking to obtain second hand, but moreso to see if you could
check a keycode for usability without opening the software.
I'm thinking more of a scenario where a retailer sells it, gets it
returned, and then sells it again to another customer. With the location of
the code, I don't know what could stop a buyer from copying the code,
leaving the software sealed, and then returning it.
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Top