Aurora R7, where is the Windows 10 key?

Question

Hi, I recently purchased an Alienware R7 desktop from Best Buy.  This is the first time I am using Windows 10, and I understand that it has some new restore abilities that are far advanced than what previous versions of Windows could do. However, I would always like to have the option of completely reformatting everything and starting fresh if needed, but in order to do that I would need the cd-key/license to reinstall Windows.  I can't seem to find it anywhere on the case, and there were no inserts that had it in the packaging either. I tried asking someone at Best Buy last night, but nobody really knew the answer.  One person said that I would need to 'register' my computer with Microsoft, and then they would give me a key. If anyone could provide more insight as to where I can find or obtain my Windows key, I would really appreciate it! Here is the link to the computer I purchased from BB: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/alienware-aurora-r7-desktop-intel-core-i7-16gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-1070-1tb-hard-drive-intel-optane-memory-epic-silver/6155310.p?skuId=6155310 Thanks for your help!

speedstep · Accepted Answer

Because You did not purchase directly from Dell I encourage you to IMMEDIATELY register.

http://www.dell.com/register

It takes 15 business days for it to show up in the system.

Machines that Came with Windows 10 have the key in BIOS.

Registration with Microsoft Requires going online and tagging the activation server every 180 days.

You do not need a key only the installation media.

How to Download and Use the Dell OS Recovery Image in Microsoft Windows

http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln299044/

You will need AT LEAST 16 Gig USB flash drive to create this media.

Larger than 32 gigs is pointless.

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Cruzer-Blade-Flash-Drive/dp/B005FYNT3G

If you prefer to use a physical device, please contact Dell technical support to order a copy. There may be a fee associated with this service.

tarzan2001 · Answer

Thank you for your reply! I am surprised that I was not told to do this by the BB employee(s), nor was there any printed information included with the computer itself.

I really appreciate the information and will let you know if I have any more questions!

Best wishes!

adolfojbarreto · Answer

You can always find the original Windows 10 key if you had a legitimate Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or10 installation. Open a Windows command prompt (As Administrator). Type or copy & paste the following:

wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
OA3xOriginalProductKey

This command will display the original product key.

speedstep · Answer

Actually it doesnt

It parrots back the text "OA3xOriginalProductKey"

C:\windows\system32>wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

OA3xOriginalProductKey

The powershell equivalent does not appear to work either.

powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey"

Making that shorter does seem to show a lot if info but not the KEY

powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’)

OA2xBiosMarkerMinorVersion : 1
OA2xBiosMarkerStatus : 1
OA3xOriginalProductKey :
OA3xOriginalProductKeyDescription :
OA3xOriginalProductKeyPkPn :
PolicyCacheRefreshRequired : 0

I know wmic is working because the service tag shows up correctly.

wmic bios get serialnumber

RWEVERYTHING and SHOWKEYPLUS do work however.

https://github.com/Superfly-Inc/ShowKeyPlus/releases/tag/ShowKeyPlus6893

SERVICE TAG VIA WMIC

Alienware Desktops

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