OEM product key not accepted

[FrEstYle29]

ok heres the deal, i had to format my dads dell computer, and reinstall windows millenium. Seeing that no certificate of authenticity could be found(is it even included?), i wrote down the oem number from my computerroperties. I am at the point where i need to enter the product key, and the number does not fit!
the second space doesnt even say OEM- it wants 5 digits there! what the heck is going on?
heres what i have:
xxxxx - OEM - xxxxxxx - xxxxx
heres what it wants:
xxxxx - xxxxx - xxxxx - xxxxx - xxxxx

 

[John]

Unfortunately the OEM number will not work. Call Dell and ask for another product code (if ME shipped with the system). If you verify information you will get one. If you are trying to use the number off your other PC, then that is piracy.

 

[FrEstYle29]

how is trying to use the number off my pc piracy? and why can't microsoft/dell include a real number ? this is such an inconvenience

 

[John]

Read the EULA.

 

[murdock2525]

Hell You have 98se on your machine.... put it on your dads, add the media player and to hell with Millennium, Dell and M$.

 

[Recneps]

if you don't want to deal with calling DEll I bet there is some hack to allow you not to have to use the Key some where on the internet. Or you could make a trip down to staples and read the key code of their stickers and try using that code.

John your a dumd ass it is not piracy if M$ is locking him out of software that he legal purchased. The EULA does not apply because for it to apply he has to be able to use the software Covered by User part.

 

[John]

<< John your a dumd ass it is not piracy if M$ is locking him out of software that he legal purchased. The EULA does not apply because for it to apply he has to be able to use the software Covered by User part. >>



Obviously you did not read my original post. With that in mind, the name calling only lessens your credibility.

 

[bacillus]

you should have gotten a microsoft booklet with a certificate of authencity on the front with the necessary code included on it!

 

[Rifter]

check your PM

 

[allwood]

the product id is on the left side of your tower.. on a colored sticker...

 

[Supergax]

<< you should have gotten a microsoft booklet with a certificate of authencity on the front with the necessary code included on it! >>



Allwood is correct, according to Microsoft all OEM manufacturers are required to place a sticker on the case that has the product key on it. That is the new certificate of authenticity scheme from Micrsooft.

 

[sohcrates]

yeah, the my computer properties does NOT tell you you're actual product key...that is buried in the registry.

so look for a sticker on the side as was suggested before, or you're gonna have to call Dell.