Recieved a Dell XPS system to test. Came with Vista ultimate

[Oyeve]

I just recieved a Dell XPS laptop from MS for testing Vista. It came with Vista Ultimate preinstalled and a security flash drive that allows the laptop to boot. Anyway, it also came with an OEM DVD with Vista Home Premium. I wanted to test both Ultimate and Home Premium so I installed the Home Premium on another laptop. Install went fine but it never asked me to enter any license key and I have been on the internet with it and it has not asked to activate. I am not at all familiar with Vista and am wondering how to activate the damn thing.

 

[Oyeve]

N/M, found it.

 

[Acanthus]

Just for reference if someone else reads this and is wondering, companies like Dell use bulk keys that are built into the bios. So when you use a restore disc it doesnt need activated.

As for the OPs question Click start, right click computer, properties. Scroll to the bottom for windows activation info and a place to enter/change keys.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: Acanthus
Just for reference if someone else reads this and is wondering, companies like Dell use bulk keys that are built into the bios. So when you use a restore disc it doesnt need activated.

As for the OPs question Click start, right click computer, properties. Scroll to the bottom for windows activation info and a place to enter/change keys.

The Volume key and the Certificate files are on the DVD and not in the BIOS. The SLP Table is in the BIOS. The combination between these three items are what allows Vista to activate during the installation.

pcgeek11