T7910 Windows Restore - Invalid Key Error?

Question

I'm trying to restore a Dell 7910 back to factory after a hard disk failure and installed replacement. I'm following the process laid out here..... https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-uk/000125230/how-to-create-and-use-the-dell-recovery-restore-usb-drive The Tag number for the machine is valid and gives me a download option of circa 580Mb, I then on a different machine (that's running Windows 11) unpack that zip file and follow the process to generate the USB stick for the T7910. However, when I use that USB stick on the 7910 and boot from it, after a few checks are undertaken a message comes up saying the key is either invalid or modified (I can't remember the exact wording) and to recheck and try again. I've now run the process three times and downloaded the appropriate files from Dell twice, all with the same result. The original installation on the 7910 was Windows 8.1 according to the Dell system info page for the tag number, although I don't know if there's a way to tell what version of windows is unpacked from the zip that's downloaded. Any ideas

Chino de Oro · Accepted Answer

Installing genuine restore Windows 8.1 and genuine product key got you here in the first place.

Starting with Windows 8.1, Dell OEM product keys are embedded on the motherboard. No more product keys on COA sticker and no genuine OEM product key in Windows installation software, except digital retail product key (on sticker or email)

If your machine was shipped with Windows 8.1 license, Microsoft still allows upgrade to Windows 10/11. So, directly installing Windows 10 and activate it with Windows 8 license is a better path to take.

Chino de Oro · Answer

Windows 8.1 reached the end of support earlier this year.  You may want to upgrade the operating system to Windows 10.  Download Microsoft Windows Creation Tool and create an installation USB.  It will be better result for your effort than trying to restore the machine back to Windows 8.

pduk · Answer

But the Microsoft Creation Tool wouldn't generate a genuine product key, whereas installing the genuine Dell restore, then following the upgrade path would surely?

pduk · Answer

That worked thanks.

I must admit I was skeptical as I was always under the impression that it was the specific Dell Restore process that ensured the Tag number of the machine then generated a Software Activation on the Microsoft site, I wasn't aware that a 'generic' Microsoft build also would generate a valid activation.

You learn something new.

Then I found out that MS are not supporting the E5-2670 V4 CPU's for Win11, - yes I know there's a workaround way to install, but going off script is usually not a good idea with this stuff for the problems it can bring down the line.

Chino de Oro · Answer

Glad that worked out for you.  About Win 11, actually, there is no need for work around.  Just a straight forward installation just like Win 10 but with proper settings.  You will need to enable UEFI, secure boot and TPM (1.2 is okay), which doesn't work out for some folks due to the use of Legacy for HBA and RAID cards.

Precision Fixed Workstations

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