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January 11th, 2017 10:00
factory reset and Windows Product Key
Hello,
I want to perform a factory reset on Dell Inspiron M511R that came with Win7 preinstalled. Do I need Windows Product Key?
The CoA label is sticked on the bottom of the laptop and after years of usage it just became unreadable. The computer is functioning normally so far.
Can I get the WPK somehow? (The same or a new one.)
Thank you.
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Saltgrass
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4.3K Posts
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January 11th, 2017 12:00
You can do a clean install of Windows 10, as long as the system has been activated with Win 10 and has it digital license. Just skip past where they ask for a license key.
Doing a factory reset over a newer OS may be a problem. Are you wanting to do that because you need some of the OEM utilities? It is usually best to do clean installs, especially when changing OSes..
I will assume the system was not using a UEFI bios which means the license in not there. Some third party software may be able to retrieve a key but I have no experience. If you have OEM recovery media, it might work, maybe someone else will know for sure.
Philip_Yip
9 Legend
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16.1K Posts
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January 11th, 2017 22:00
If you have Upgraded to Windows 10 Home already then your System's Hardware is saved with a Microsoft Product Activation Server and you can clean install Windows 10 Home without a Product Key. It'll reactivate when online. More details here:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-10-oem-and-retail-iso/
If you haven't upgraded to Windows 10 Home yet... Then your only choice is to clean install Windows 7 Home Premium using Dell OEM System Locked Preinstallation (Offline Dell BIOS Based Product Activation). To do this see here:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/windows-7-sp1-iso-download/
To carry out your Free Windows 10 Home Upgrade see here:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/upgrading-to-windows-10/
StrasnySebin
2 Posts
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January 15th, 2017 09:00
Thank you for the answers.
The system has not been upgraded so far, it's still Win7. I want to get rid of all the malware and garbage that has accumulated over years from all applications and games and have only clean system without anything. I can go with Win7 or Win10, no preference. The only problem is the Product Key. If I go for Win10, will I need it? I don't want to start the proces, not beeing able to finish it due to lack of PK and making the computer unusable eventually.
Philip_Yip
9 Legend
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16.1K Posts
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January 16th, 2017 03:00
Your only choice is to clean install Windows 7 using OEM System Locked Preinstallation. This is an offline BIOS based Product Activation mechanism that doesn't require the unique 25 digit product key. For more details on Downloading the Windows 7 .iso, clean installing and applying OEM SLP see here:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/windows-7-sp1-iso-download/
After Windows 7 Home Premium is installed you may carry out your Free Windows 10 Home Upgrade following the instructions here:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/upgrading-to-windows-10/
After this initial Windows 10 Home Upgrade install is carried out and Windows 10 Home is activated... you can clean install Windows 10 Home at any time by skipping the input of the product key.