Windows XP SLP Keys

Windows XP is Reaching its End of Life in April 2014 see Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 Support Ends April 8, 2014.

Typically each system has a unique 25 digit product key on its COA which is that systems license or right to run that particular version of Windows. This Product Key is usually present as a backup for Microsoft Product Activation in some rare cases and in general System locked Preinstallation is used.

You may have noticed that the product key you obtained from your Dell System after Clean Installation with a Windows XP Reinstallation CD/DVD or at Factory Settings is not the same as the unique 25 digit product key affixed to your system via its Code of Authenticity. This is because for Windows XP OEMs such as Dell use system locked preinstallation (SLP) keys.

The installation media inputs these keys and automatically activates Windows XP if and only if a valid system BIOS is detected. In the case of the keys listed, a valid Dell BIOS is required with the correct attached COA. 

The reason for SLP Activation was to prevent the need for Dell and every Dell user from calling Microsoft to Activate or Reactivate their Windows Product.