What serial numbers do I need to keep with my software?

  • Thread starter Thread starter George
  • Start date Start date
G

George

Hi,

I've received a new dell computer, it has alot of CD's that are not in
boxes, they are in sleeves, and there are no serial numbers with them, but
on the back of the CD sleeves are "tracking numbers" and sometimes a nother
number below a bar code.

With these CD's do I need to try to find the serial number of them?

One of them is Microsoft Works, which is one that I do want to keep, but
again it has not got anything clearly labelled "serial number". Or product
activation key.

Regards
 
Keep all of those sleeves. And, take them to a flatbed copier and make
copies of the sleeves. Sometimes, the computer asks for things like this at
the stupidest times and you have to unearth the paperwork.
 
The PK is a 25 alpha-numeric key in 5 groups of 5, for all
type of MS software. Other software may have a different
pattern. BUT keep everything and make copies of the data
for safe keeping.


| Hi,
|
| I've received a new dell computer, it has alot of CD's
that are not in
| boxes, they are in sleeves, and there are no serial
numbers with them, but
| on the back of the CD sleeves are "tracking numbers" and
sometimes a nother
| number below a bar code.
|
| With these CD's do I need to try to find the serial number
of them?
|
| One of them is Microsoft Works, which is one that I do
want to keep, but
| again it has not got anything clearly labelled "serial
number". Or product
| activation key.
|
| Regards
|
|
 
Jim Macklin said:
The PK is a 25 alpha-numeric key in 5 groups of 5, for all
type of MS software. Other software may have a different
pattern. BUT keep everything and make copies of the data
for safe keeping.


| Hi,
|
| I've received a new dell computer, it has alot of CD's
that are not in
| boxes, they are in sleeves, and there are no serial
numbers with them, but
| on the back of the CD sleeves are "tracking numbers" and
sometimes a nother
| number below a bar code.
|
| With these CD's do I need to try to find the serial number
of them?
|
| One of them is Microsoft Works, which is one that I do
want to keep, but
| again it has not got anything clearly labelled "serial
number". Or product
| activation key.
|
| Regards
|
|
Click to expand...

Hi well I have now thrown them, the reason is that I coudl not find any
serial key or any password key, I also have just installed Microsoftw Works
and it didn't ask me for a key.

Also the key that I was given on the side of my computer does NOT match the
one that dell sent me...Eg. I had to find the product key from belarc from
the original one that was originally installed on the brand new dell
computer.

So I could be here all day saving totally irrellevant bits of paper that are
meaningless.. I only care about the most important ones, eg. windows XP
disc, microsoft works, I think common sense will say that if something is
important then Dell will CLEARLY mark it not just leave some ambiguous
number pattenr without clear labelling, the comptuer is brand new.
 
Doug Kanter said:
Keep all of those sleeves. And, take them to a flatbed copier and make
copies of the sleeves. Sometimes, the computer asks for things like this
at the stupidest times and you have to unearth the paperwork.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply Doug, I've now decided to throw them out, and have put
the discs in a protective CD holder.

I have the receipts for the original Dell computer so if anything ever came
up then they should reissue any password, although I can't think anything is
important would not be clearly marked.
 
George said:
Hi well I have now thrown them, the reason is that I coudl not find any
serial key or any password key, I also have just installed Microsoftw
Works and it didn't ask me for a key.
Click to expand...

Good luck. :-)

Also the key that I was given on the side of my computer does NOT match
the one that dell sent me...Eg. I had to find the product key from belarc
from the original one that was originally installed on the brand new dell
computer.
Click to expand...

The sticker on the side of the Dell is the service tag number, and it is
IMMENSELY useful. You can go to the appropriate page on their site, enter
the number, and see everything your computer contains (hardware), along with
pointers to driver updates, etc. Do NOT remove that sticker. If you ever
need warranty service, they will ask you for it.

So I could be here all day saving totally irrellevant bits of paper that
are meaningless.. I only care about the most important ones, eg. windows
XP disc, microsoft works, I think common sense will say that if something
is important then Dell will CLEARLY mark it not just leave some ambiguous
number pattenr without clear labelling, the comptuer is brand new.
Click to expand...

They're ambiguous until you need them.
 
Doug Kanter said:
Good luck. :-)



The sticker on the side of the Dell is the service tag number, and it is
IMMENSELY useful. You can go to the appropriate page on their site, enter
the number, and see everything your computer contains (hardware), along
with pointers to driver updates, etc. Do NOT remove that sticker. If you
ever need warranty service, they will ask you for it.
Click to expand...
Yes I will keep that sticker on it, but the windows KEY they have written on
it is the wrong one, but the tag I think you mean is the one thats on the
back of the system...

I think (hope) I have kept the most important keys/notes...after all I have
got the hardware and receipts.

So much stuff is superflouse, the majority of the CD's included were only
"documentary support" and some others were trial software.
 
When companies install software, the use an image to setup
the whole system. The number that Bel Arc or EVEREST will
return is the key for that image. If you do a clean install
of the software, it will ask for the PK that was on the CD
slipcases.

Companies such as Dell keep good records and can help you.
They also have a hidden partition on the hard drive that
will handle activation of Dell supplied software.


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.


|
in message
| | > The PK is a 25 alpha-numeric key in 5 groups of 5, for
all
| > type of MS software. Other software may have a
different
| > pattern. BUT keep everything and make copies of the
data
| > for safe keeping.
| >
| >
| > | > | Hi,
| > |
| > | I've received a new dell computer, it has alot of CD's
| > that are not in
| > | boxes, they are in sleeves, and there are no serial
| > numbers with them, but
| > | on the back of the CD sleeves are "tracking numbers"
and
| > sometimes a nother
| > | number below a bar code.
| > |
| > | With these CD's do I need to try to find the serial
number
| > of them?
| > |
| > | One of them is Microsoft Works, which is one that I do
| > want to keep, but
| > | again it has not got anything clearly labelled "serial
| > number". Or product
| > | activation key.
| > |
| > | Regards
| > |
| > |
|
| Hi well I have now thrown them, the reason is that I coudl
not find any
| serial key or any password key, I also have just installed
Microsoftw Works
| and it didn't ask me for a key.
|
| Also the key that I was given on the side of my computer
does NOT match the
| one that dell sent me...Eg. I had to find the product key
from belarc from
| the original one that was originally installed on the
brand new dell
| computer.
|
| So I could be here all day saving totally irrellevant bits
of paper that are
| meaningless.. I only care about the most important ones,
eg. windows XP
| disc, microsoft works, I think common sense will say that
if something is
| important then Dell will CLEARLY mark it not just leave
some ambiguous
| number pattenr without clear labelling, the comptuer is
brand new.
| >
| >
|
|
 
What you have is an OEM install version. Dell has a special agreement with
Microsoft so that they can "pre-install" Microsoft's software products and
not have the end-user (you) have to find/remember/enter the CD Keys. The
installed versions of the CD Key may not be exactly to ones on the case
sticker, but you are still licensed correctly.
 
The Dell Service Tag is the number Dell uses to track the
records for that computer. There is also a MS COA with the
PK for the media Dell ships for the Windows CD. There is
also a PK for each software application or suite.
Dell does not install software, one disk at a time (this
applies to all OEMs), they create an image with the software
that is offered on a particular model. They install that
image and activate it. But the CD media has its own PK
numbers, so a software application such as Bel Arc, EVEREST
or MajicJellybean will return the numbers from the image and
not the PK that would be from installing from the CDs
shipped. But if you do a clean install, you'll need the PK
from the CD case.


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.


|
| | > | >>
| >> "Jim Macklin" <p51mustang[threeX12]@xxxhotmail.calm>
wrote in message
| >> | >>> The PK is a 25 alpha-numeric key in 5 groups of 5, for
all
| >>> type of MS software. Other software may have a
different
| >>> pattern. BUT keep everything and make copies of the
data
| >>> for safe keeping.
| >>>
| >>>
| >>> | >>> | Hi,
| >>> |
| >>> | I've received a new dell computer, it has alot of
CD's
| >>> that are not in
| >>> | boxes, they are in sleeves, and there are no serial
| >>> numbers with them, but
| >>> | on the back of the CD sleeves are "tracking numbers"
and
| >>> sometimes a nother
| >>> | number below a bar code.
| >>> |
| >>> | With these CD's do I need to try to find the serial
number
| >>> of them?
| >>> |
| >>> | One of them is Microsoft Works, which is one that I
do
| >>> want to keep, but
| >>> | again it has not got anything clearly labelled
"serial
| >>> number". Or product
| >>> | activation key.
| >>> |
| >>> | Regards
| >>> |
| >>> |
| >>
| >> Hi well I have now thrown them, the reason is that I
coudl not find any
| >> serial key or any password key, I also have just
installed Microsoftw
| >> Works and it didn't ask me for a key.
| >
| > Good luck. :-)
| >
| >
| >> Also the key that I was given on the side of my
computer does NOT match
| >> the one that dell sent me...Eg. I had to find the
product key from belarc
| >> from the original one that was originally installed on
the brand new dell
| >> computer.
| >
| > The sticker on the side of the Dell is the service tag
number, and it is
| > IMMENSELY useful. You can go to the appropriate page on
their site, enter
| > the number, and see everything your computer contains
(hardware), along
| > with pointers to driver updates, etc. Do NOT remove that
sticker. If you
| > ever need warranty service, they will ask you for it.
| >
| Yes I will keep that sticker on it, but the windows KEY
they have written on
| it is the wrong one, but the tag I think you mean is the
one thats on the
| back of the system...
|
| I think (hope) I have kept the most important
keys/notes...after all I have
| got the hardware and receipts.
|
| So much stuff is superflouse, the majority of the CD's
included were only
| "documentary support" and some others were trial software.
|
|
 
Why not keep EVERYTHING that came with your computer. You don't really want
to be one of those jerks who say "Oops! I think I threw that away!"

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard :-)

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!
 
Richard Urban said:
Why not keep EVERYTHING that came with your computer. You don't really
want to be one of those jerks who say "Oops! I think I threw that away!"
Click to expand...

I see where your comming from, but I am also a person that uses common
sense, I dont think its necessary to keep everything. Especially if they are
not relevant. Anything that is meant for activation or important will be
marked that way.
 
Keep the original sleeves and other applicable material with the CDs.
Since Windows XP came out, most if not all OEMs refuse to replace lost
Product Keys leaving the only options to buy what you already bought or do
without..
 
George;
Be very careful here.
The Product Key the tools display will usually not work for your
reinstallation and activation.
The key on the side of the computer with the COA is correct and essential
that you preserve the key.
They are both correct but if you insist on believing one is incorrect, the
key the tools you use show is the incorrect key on preinstalled software.
Hopefully you did not discard anything important after being warned.
 
Bad news for you George - you threw out most of your reinstallation keys -
and Dell expects you the consumer to use a little common sense in not
haphazardly throwing out what you perceive and unimportant - as anyone with
common sense would surely know that serial numbers, bar codes and groupings
of number/letters on the back of a CD protective sleeve would be of some
type of importance.
And as others have said, Dell didn't install the software with your keys,
they installed with their image keys, totally useless when you try to
reinstall. Another note, they have no clue which keys were sent to you,
except the one on the sticker (for WinXP) on the case of the PC.
Good luck if you ever need to reinstall, as Dell's policy to replace missing
and or bad CD media to 30 days from purchase (been there done that).
Good news for you, next time you'll know not to be so hasty in throwing out
what you conceive as unimportant.
 
Admiral Q said:
Bad news for you George - you threw out most of your reinstallation keys -
and Dell expects you the consumer to use a little common sense in not
haphazardly throwing out what you perceive and unimportant
Click to expand...


I did not "haphazardly thorw anything away". If I was haphazard I would not
take the time and trouble to post in a newsgroup in addition to actually
trying to reinstall the software.


- as anyone with common sense would surely know that serial numbers, bar
codes and groupings
of number/letters on the back of a CD protective sleeve would be of some
type of importance.
Click to expand...

Not when there are more than one grouping, and not when they are not clearly
marked, and not when the CD's work without any
product key being asked for on a clean brand new installation. I am not
stupid, I know what a product activation key is, and I know
what they look like. They are usually marked "Product activation key" Random
numbers placed on packaging with no marking are not even that.
Cans of beans have got product markings on them but they have no
significance to the purchaser.


And as others have said, Dell didn't install the software with your keys,
they installed with their image keys, totally useless when you try to
reinstall.
Click to expand...

Hmm well I am here with a clean installation from a formatted drive and I
have installed windows and microsoft works


Another note, they have no clue which keys were sent to you,
except the one on the sticker (for WinXP) on the case of the PC.
Good luck if you ever need to reinstall, as Dell's policy to replace
missing
and or bad CD media to 30 days from purchase (been there done that).
Good news for you, next time you'll know not to be so hasty in throwing
out
what you conceive as unimportant.
Click to expand...

Yes I know what keys are important and unimportant. I also checked and I
have reinstalled all the CD's
from a formatted drive, everything works perfectly. It seems they must be
"retail discs" with the product keys in them already.
For example Microsoft works did not require anything to put into it, and
their is no product key written on the case, just other numbers which are
not relevant.
Numbers on packaging do not automatically mean that they are important,
numbers exist beneath barcodes on cans of beans, but they are not relevant
to the consumer.
 
Jupiter Jones said:
Keep the original sleeves and other applicable material with the CDs.
Since Windows XP came out, most if not all OEMs refuse to replace lost
Product Keys leaving the only options to buy what you already bought or do
without..
Click to expand...

I must admit I was quite shocked to see the price of a clean installation of
windows XP? I dont know how dell supplied this computer with a
reinstallation full version disc for the price it did including delivery.

Really I could not have built a computer at this price.....I'm absolutely
sure they must not have made a penny on this offer.
 
George............you were careless and awfully quick to dispose of the sleeves
that held the numbers.
from the time you posted the question to the time you replied that you had
chucked them was 18 minutes,,,,,,or did you chuck them and then decide that
maybe that was not a smart idea and you'd better get a 2nd opinion???
Either way I hope you never have to reinstall
peter
 
peter said:
George............you were careless and awfully quick to dispose of the
sleeves that held the numbers.
Click to expand...

Not careless dear Sir, not careless, just I quickly looked and came to a
proper and thought out decision. You tell me this good sir.
If I can start with a completely wiped and completely 100% blank hard drive
and then can reinstall all that I need and want, then how can
any of those other numbers be relevant??

I have the important numbers that are stuck on the computer...so therefore
it was not at all in any way rash, or careless.

from the time you posted the question to the time you replied that you
had chucked them was 18 minutes,,,,,
Click to expand...

They are indeed chucked, they are only paper sleeves, not proper plastic
cases. I am able to make fast as well as wise decisions.
I dont like my life stuffed up with irrelevant rubbish such as long serial
numbers that have no point and no meaning and no purpose.

,or did you chuck them and then decide that
maybe that was not a smart idea and you'd better get a 2nd opinion???
Click to expand...

No, I chucked them after reading and listening to what people have written
on this thread and then I made an "executive destroy decision".
I also destroyed the boxes that the computer came in, that was also
cluttering up my space. My space is important and I dont like clutter.
Either way I hope you never have to reinstall
peter
Click to expand...

I've already done a brand spanking new reinstall of all the necessary CD's
and not one of htem required an activation key, or product key. Not even the
windows disc asked for it which I found as being strange, as the windows one
is what I was originally worried about.
 
George said:
Hi well I have now thrown them, the reason is that I coudl not find any
serial key or any password key, I also have just installed Microsoftw Works
and it didn't ask me for a key.
Click to expand...

That was unbelievably foolish of you. Don't expect much sympathy when
you come back here in a few months asking where to find a Product Key
needed for re-installation of something.

Also the key that I was given on the side of my computer does NOT match the
one that dell sent me...Eg. I had to find the product key from belarc from
the original one that was originally installed on the brand new dell
computer.
Click to expand...

If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since
reinstalled the OS, the Product Key revealed by any Key Viewer 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.

If you ever need to reinstall, use the Product Key from the CoA
affixed to the computer.


So I could be here all day saving totally irrellevant bits of paper that are
meaningless.. I only care about the most important ones, eg. windows XP
disc, microsoft works, I think common sense will say that if something is
important then Dell will CLEARLY mark it not just leave some ambiguous
number pattenr without clear labelling, the comptuer is brand new.
Click to expand...

I don't think you've demonstrated any ability in judging what common
sense is or is not. In fact, you've demonstrated just the opposite.


--

Bruce Chambers

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