Does dell keep Windows keys?

[rudeguy]

Long story short, I replaced my Dell lappy's HDD. My Vista sticker is basically wore off, so I can't read the key. I do have my service tag but its out of warranty.

Is there any way to legally recover the Windows key?

 

[amdhunter]

I don't think you can. Even if you boot off of the old HDD, the you might find that the key used is not the one that was originally on the sticker.

What version of Windows?

 

[rudeguy]

Its Vista.

The old HDD is the one that I posted a thread about not remembering where I put it. I bought a 250 after that 80 filled up and I put Ubuntu on it. I'm over Ubuntu but I can't find that other drive to pull the key.

 

[ra990]

I hate those COA key stickers, they always fade away. That's why the first thing I do when I get a new PC is put a piece of clear tape over the key.

 

[daw123]

I hate those COA key stickers, they always fade away. That's why the first thing I do when I get a new PC is put a piece of clear tape over the key.

I take a photo of the key and save the photo on at least two different HDDs.

 

[rudeguy]

OK...hindsight folks.

Am I SOL? Its ok if I am...I just don't want to try with Dell if its a hopeless cause. But I also don't want to have to buy yet another Windows disc.

 

[mfenn]

OK...hindsight folks.

Am I SOL? Its ok if I am...I just don't want to try with Dell if its a hopeless cause. But I also don't want to have to buy yet another Windows disc.

Just get on Dell's online chat and see.

 

[drebo]

Long story short, I replaced my Dell lappy's HDD. My Vista sticker is basically wore off, so I can't read the key. I do have my service tag but its out of warranty.

Is there any way to legally recover the Windows key?

Call Dell and they should be able to issue you another key, regardless of the fact the laptop is out of warranty. Microsoft mandates that damaged COA stickers need to be replaced, and for large OEMs like Dell and HP part of the discount they are given is comes from the fact that the OEMs agree to provide some of the support.

If they don't, call Microsoft.

 

[rudeguy]

the problem is that you can't chat or call if you Dell is out of warranty.

Unless my nerd friends have some info I don't.....

 

[JEDIYoda]

Call Dell and they should be able to issue you another key, regardless of the fact the laptop is out of warranty. Microsoft mandates that damaged COA stickers need to be replaced, and for large OEMs like Dell and HP part of the discount they are given is comes from the fact that the OEMs agree to provide some of the support.

If they don't, call Microsoft.

Dell will not issue another key!
That`s just the way the cookie crumbles.

 

[FallenHero]

Dell will not issue another key!
That`s just the way the cookie crumbles.

With an authentic microsoft sticker/key, I would hope they could help. Microsoft might actually be your savior in this case though.

 

[amdhunter]

What DVD did you use to install? The DELL one? Or a retail DVD?

 

[rudeguy]

What DVD did you use to install? The DELL one? Or a retail DVD?

It was preloaded just like all Dells in the past 5 years. There is a recovery partition on the old drive that I have no idea what the heck I did with.

 

[seepy83]

You just need a Dell OEM Operating System disk. It will install just fine on your Dell hardware. No Product Key required.

 

[rudeguy]

You just need a Dell OEM Operating System disk. It will install just fine on your Dell hardware. No Product Key required.

And you're sure?? Even with the new HDD?

 

[ecom]

Just get another Dell Vista disk. I'm sure Dell will give or sell you one for minimal cost.

The authentication is stored in the BIOS.

 

[amdhunter]

And you're sure?? Even with the new HDD?

Yeah. It will just install IF you have a DELL-branded dvd. No activation required.

 

[seepy83]

I've done it hundreds of times on Dell Latitude laptops and Optiplex Desktops.

 

[rudeguy]

Just get another Dell Vista disk. I'm sure Dell will give or sell you one for minimal cost.

The authentication is stored in the BIOS.

Sweet, thanks!

This thread is now about hot chicks at your job. I just found out that some chick I used to lust over on facethejury.com works with me. We're doing lunch tomorrow