Ok, I went back and looked at my other laptops and turns on the first one had the COA removed. Now that 90% of my problem is solved, what do I do with the one with the missing COA?
I can get Windows 8.1 installed but I am not sure how well these old machines can handle OS 8
Windows 8.1 has been streamlined a lot and should run much better on these than Vista.
I have Windows 8.1 32 Bit on my Latitude D820 which is probably got similar hardware specifications to yours.
The only issue I had was with Bluetooth because Toshiba didn't update the Bluetooth stack for the Dell Wireless 350 or 360 card. I don't use Bluetooth much so never really bothered but may swap it out later for a 355 card.
Unfortunately, I didn't find it there for these laptops. I should also mention that we got these donated through a joint project we do each year with our state department of revenue. I'm not sure if that would impact how these laptops were originally loaded from the factory.
My work has several Dell Latitudes that need to be restored to the pre-installed Vista OS. They are currently on a different OS (if you must know, someone put Windows 7 on them without a key. That person no longer works for us due to incompetence).
Is there any way we can find out the product key of the Vista OS? there is no sticker on the bottom of the laptops, just the service tag codes.
The COA will likely be placed under the battery for protection.
Ok, I went back and looked at my other laptops and turns on the first one had the COA removed. Now that 90% of my problem is solved, what do I do with the one with the missing COA?
I can get Windows 8.1 installed but I am not sure how well these old machines can handle OS 8
As mentioned Windows Vista will activate via System Locked Preinstallation on an eligible Dell System. The Activation Backup and Recovery Program mimics this activation mechanism with retail media:
Philip_Yip
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January 16th, 2014 12:00
Windows 8.1 has been streamlined a lot and should run much better on these than Vista.
I have Windows 8.1 32 Bit on my Latitude D820 which is probably got similar hardware specifications to yours.
The only issue I had was with Bluetooth because Toshiba didn't update the Bluetooth stack for the Dell Wireless 350 or 360 card. I don't use Bluetooth much so never really bothered but may swap it out later for a 355 card.
bkaoaam
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January 16th, 2014 09:00
Unfortunately, I didn't find it there for these laptops. I should also mention that we got these donated through a joint project we do each year with our state department of revenue. I'm not sure if that would impact how these laptops were originally loaded from the factory.
Philip_Yip
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January 16th, 2014 09:00
The COA will likely be placed under the battery for protection.
Philip_Yip
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January 16th, 2014 10:00
Its possible that the Latitudes came with Linux originally preloaded and hence don't have a COA.
Check the Original Configuration of one using the Dell Service Tag?
bkaoaam
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January 16th, 2014 10:00
They have the vista sticker near the trackpad so i'm sure they came with Vista
Philip_Yip
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January 16th, 2014 11:00
In that case it looks like either the COAs have been peeled off or forcibly removed.
A Dell Reinstallation DVD with system locked preinstallation key will work but technically you should have the COA.
If they were donated and you are working in a charity it may be worth contacting Microsoft as they may give you Windows 8.1 for quite a low price.
bkaoaam
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January 16th, 2014 12:00
Great, I guess we'll have to grit our teeth and do the long way for the one computer without a COA. Thanks for the help!
PudgyOne
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January 16th, 2014 12:00
bkaoaam,
If you have the Dell OEM disks that match the sticker(now removed) no product key is needed.
If the Dell - Ownership Transfers was done, if in the United States, Request Backup Disks USA if in another Country, Contact Dell Technical Support
Rick
bkaoaam
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January 16th, 2014 12:00
Ok, I went back and looked at my other laptops and turns on the first one had the COA removed. Now that 90% of my problem is solved, what do I do with the one with the missing COA?
I can get Windows 8.1 installed but I am not sure how well these old machines can handle OS 8
bkaoaam
6 Posts
0
January 16th, 2014 13:00
The warranty was expired so Dell's site no backup discs can be sent.
Philip_Yip
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January 17th, 2014 00:00
Hint: If evaluating Windows 8.1 use the Enterprize trial:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh699156.aspx
This lets you try for 90 days before deciding on purchasing.
Also regarding the Reinstallation DVD see here for a download link of Windows Vista:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/download-vista-sp1-iso/
As mentioned Windows Vista will activate via System Locked Preinstallation on an eligible Dell System. The Activation Backup and Recovery Program mimics this activation mechanism with retail media:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows-7/microsoft-product-activation/the-activation-backup-and-recovery-program-windows-7-version/
This is instructions for Windows 7, for Windows Vista the instructions are almost identical except don't use the beta version of ABR.