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1095
May 6th, 2020 23:00
Windows license
I have a pretty old Dell laptop (Vostro 1014) which was just lying around for some years. Now I need to use it (for Zoom with my small kid - it is really no good for anything else), but I discovered that some time ago I installed Linux on it and now I want Windows.
Obviously, it originally came with a licensed version of Windows, but I don't even remember which version. There is no sticker with a license, so I assume it is embedded in the bios or something.
The question - how can I get some legit copy of Windows (which I payed for at the time) on it? Dell Recovery Tool does not find anything based on my tag or express service code...
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Philip_Yip
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16.1K Posts
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May 7th, 2020 01:00
That's an older model from 2009 and would have been sold with Windows 7. Windows 7 had Code of Authenticity (CoA) stickers with the 25 digit product keys and product keys weren't embedded until Windows 8 was released in 2012. If you haven't already done so remove the battery and look for a CoA.
It should have a Windows 7 Edition and 25 Digit Product Key. You can use the key with Windows 10 installation media. The system itself is pretty low spec but should be able to run Windows 10 Version 2004.
Moshe Pupkin
2 Posts
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May 7th, 2020 06:00
Thanks! I don't see the sticker, but it looks like it was removed for some weird reason...guess nothing I can do now...
Philip_Yip
9 Legend
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16.1K Posts
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May 8th, 2020 11:00
Before installing Linux was the system upgraded to Windows 10? If so you can install Windows 10 directly without the Product Key and it'll automatically reactivate when online.
If it hasn't had any Windows 10 Version installed and activated you will need to activate Windows 7 using OEM SLP (doesn't require the 5 Digit Product Key) and then generate a genuine ticket which you can use to perform the initial activation of Windows 10.
My guides outline the procedures in more detail:
https://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/windows-oem-faqs-and-downloads/
Womack_27
1 Message
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October 27th, 2020 02:00
You must first have licensed and installed a qualified full desktop PC operating system on your device before your PC is eligible for the Windows Pro upgrade license or Windows Enterprise upgrade license through Microsoft Volume Licensing programs.