why two xp key codes?

[DJW]

What is up with a already installed xp pro having two key numbers? The
already installed system shows one via Product Key Finder. But it is
not the same as the number on the windows sticker on the computer. Are
the two linked and Microsoft data base of codes see both as the same
code? Why have two?

 

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

On Tue, 22 May 2012 06:34:38 -0700 (PDT), "DJW" <[email protected]>
wrote in article <57d4966c-73c0-4bc9-9eaa-
(e-mail address removed)>...

What is up with a already installed xp pro having two key numbers? The
already installed system shows one via Product Key Finder. But it is
not the same as the number on the windows sticker on the computer. Are
the two linked and Microsoft data base of codes see both as the same
code? Why have two?

The code that is in the system and shown by the key finder is a generic
code the OEM uses to pre-activate systems - that code is used for all
systems they ship with that version of XP. It would be much more
difficult to have each machine that is shipped have its own code
already entered, and they don't want the user to have to enter the code
that is on the sticker.

HTH

 

[Paul]

What is up with a already installed xp pro having two key numbers? The
already installed system shows one via Product Key Finder. But it is
not the same as the number on the windows sticker on the computer. Are
the two linked and Microsoft data base of codes see both as the same
code? Why have two?

The code on the sticker, is in case you have to reinstall using other
media. As far as I know, that code would require activation over the net.

The OS installation that ships on the machine, is pre-activated (royalty
OEM with SLIC based authentication from a BIOS table).

Paul

 

[Ted]

What is up with a already installed xp pro having two key numbers? The
already installed system shows one via Product Key Finder. But it is
not the same as the number on the windows sticker on the computer. Are
the two linked and Microsoft data base of codes see both as the same
code? Why have two?

One time I had to reinstall windows. I tried the sticker code and it came
back as invalid. So I tried the installed key code and that one worked.
Good thing I keep a record of both codes on all my machines.
Ted

 

[Good Guy]

What is up with a already installed xp pro having two key numbers? The
already installed system shows one via Product Key Finder. But it is
not the same as the number on the windows sticker on the computer. Are
the two linked and Microsoft data base of codes see both as the same
code? Why have two?

The already installed serial number is the one used by your OEM -
Original Equipment Manufacturer and they don't tailor make the system
for individual customers. It is simple for them to use one number for
all the systems they ship. They ship thousands a day and so it is
cheaper for them to use one number for all of them and Microsoft has
agreed to this arrangement. We do the same in out company when we buy
volume licenses for M$ products. Only one number is used on all our
system and installation becomes easier because all we need is to use
disk images to install the OS, Applications and drivers.

The one at the back of your desktop or laptop is the one you should be
using should you decide to re-install the OS using the CD/DVD supplied
to you by your supplier.

Hope this clarifies the issues.

Good luck.

--
Good Guy
Website: http://mytaxsite.co.uk
Website: http://html-css.co.uk
Forums: http://mytaxsite.boardhost.com
Email: http://mytaxsite.co.uk/contact-us

 

[DJW]

The already installed serial number is the one used by your OEM -
Original Equipment Manufacturer and they don't tailor make the system
for individual customers.  It is simple for them to use one number for
all the systems they ship.  They ship thousands a day and so it is
cheaper for them to use one number for all of them and Microsoft has
agreed to this arrangement.  We do the same in out company when we buy
volume licenses for M$ products.  Only one number is used on all our
system and installation becomes easier because all we need is to use
disk images to install the OS, Applications and drivers.

The one at the back of your desktop or laptop is the one you should be
using should you decide to re-install the OS using the CD/DVD supplied
to you by your supplier.

Hope this clarifies the issues.

Good luck.

--
Good Guy
Website:http://mytaxsite.co.uk
Website:http://html-css.co.uk
Forums:http://mytaxsite.boardhost.com
Email:http://mytaxsite.co.uk/contact-us

If the original computer breaks do I still own a single license to run
xp using the sticker’s key code on another computer? If I have dell
discs can I try and install on another different dell computer? How
much of my original computer costs goes to Microsoft for that license
vs. a store bought non OEM installer of xp?
What is a non OEM xp install set of disks do in regard to activation?
Does the computers internal serial number (not sure there is such a
thing) get associated with that particular key code? And when the
computer is activated Microsoft keeps track of it in relation to that
xp key code? What is to stop the disc of a non OEM installer version
from being used on more than one computer? Each time a computer is on
and on the net does it send out information to Microsoft. What if that
computer running a non OEM version breaks and the user want to install
xp on a different computer? Very confused about it all lol!

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

If the original computer breaks do I still own a single license to run
xp using the sticker?s key code on another computer?

No. That's the biggest disadvantage of an OEM version. Its license
ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on. It can
never legally be moved to another computer, sold, or given away
(except with the original computer). If the computer dies or is
stolen, your license dies with it.

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP

 

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

On Thu, 24 May 2012 07:03:45 -0700, "Ken Blake, MVP"

No. That's the biggest disadvantage of an OEM version. Its license
ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on. It can
never legally be moved to another computer, sold, or given away
(except with the original computer). If the computer dies or is
stolen, your license dies with it.

Although according to the licensing agreement, repairing the computer
(even to the point of replacing the motherboard and hard drive) is
legitimate. Upgrading because you want to is not, though how they
would know the difference is beyond me...

--
Zaphod

Adventurer, ex-hippie, good-timer (crook? quite possibly),
manic self-publicist, terrible bad at personal relationships,
often thought to be completely out to lunch.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

On Thu, 24 May 2012 07:03:45 -0700, "Ken Blake, MVP"

Although according to the licensing agreement, repairing the computer
(even to the point of replacing the motherboard and hard drive) is
legitimate.

That's correct with respect to the hard drive, but *not* correct with
respect to the motherboard (unless it is replaced with a motherboard
identical to the original one).

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP

 

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

On Thu, 24 May 2012 10:53:55 -0700, "Ken Blake, MVP"

That's correct with respect to the hard drive, but *not* correct with
respect to the motherboard (unless it is replaced with a motherboard
identical to the original one).

Nope, doesn't have to be identical, it can be whatever the OEM says is
a suitable replacement in case an identical one is not available to use
for repair. Again, as long as it is a repair, you are fine.