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42379
August 8th, 2011 14:00
Unreadable Windows product Key
Hi,
I am having multiple problems with my daughters Inspiron Mini 10 that is resulting in my probably having to perform a system reset.
I am assuming that somewhere along the line, I am going to need to re-enter my Windows 7 Starter product key from the label on the bottom of the notebook.
Unfortunately, that label has been partly peeled off and is virtually unreadable.
Does this product code reside somewhere "inside" the computer?
The Windows 7 Starter was OEM . I have the restoration discs but I cannot locate the 25 digit product code. Micrisift Support says to contact the manufacturer on OEM installs so here I am.
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Philip_Yip
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August 8th, 2011 14:00
If you can log into Windows. Then install and run Belarc Advisor it will tell you the key.
Please try this before reinstalling with a disc.
theflash1932
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16.3K Posts
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August 8th, 2011 18:00
Belarc (and any other Key-retrieval software) will return the current Product Key used to activate Windows, however, if this OS was installed at the factory, it will be a generic self/auto-activating Key. It will NOT return the same Key as was printed on the sticker on the machine. Try to use the one that Belarc or Magic Jelly Bean returns, but in my experience, it will NOT be accepted as a valid key when entered manually.
Chopper955
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August 9th, 2011 07:00
I tried Magic Jelly Bean on my computer and found the key returned did not come close to matching the label on that machine. Would it change because of adding a Service Pack?
I really find it odd that this all-important information exists ONLY on the outside case of the computer but I guess that's the Microsoft Way...
I'll give Belarc a shot.
Mary G
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20.1K Posts
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August 9th, 2011 09:00
If you are not replacing the drive, you normally don't have to enter the key when reinstalling Windows. Try all the Recovery options before you reinstall from the disk. Type Recovery in the Start box to see your options. Or read about them HERE
theflash1932
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August 9th, 2011 09:00
No, Service Packs don't care about Product Key, and vice versa ... if installed at the factory, a generic self/auto-activating Key was used for ease of deployment and distribution, so it will NOT match your sticker. Microsoft allows this, as the sticker is your actual license, but it is the OEM's that install using a different Key.
patrinski
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March 13th, 2012 01:00
thanks a bunch. i almost sent off my inspiron mini to a junk yard. it wouldn't activate windows no matter how many keys i tried after mine faded off the back. and i couldn't clean install a new os. belarc is the best.
theflash1932
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16.3K Posts
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March 13th, 2012 09:00
Just remember that Belarc ONLY works if the Product Key from the system has been typed in for activation before. Direct from the factory, it will be installed with a different key than on the box - one that will not work for activation. Best to make a note of Product Keys when receiving a new system and/or software.