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Locating OEM Window 7 product key on Dell Studio 1558?
Hi,
I'm having trouble finding the windows 7 product key on Dell Studio 1558 laptop. I'm trying to format my drive by reinstall windows. I did install the Windows 7 that is not from OEM and now I'm planning to sell this laptop without giving away my Window 7 Installer product key, so I'm planning to reinstall windows 7 by OEM windows 7. Is it possible? Or did I just replace the Window 7 product key? Can someone help me in this case
Thank you,
Pat
Philip_Yip
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December 24th, 2012 17:00
Depends on who the buyer is, their technical expertise and how you format the hard drive...
If you don't select format during the Windows setup there will be a Windows.old folder and the buyer can get all your old files from it.
If you just use the Windows format, the buyer can install recovery software which can get by the Windows format. It'll take a little work but it can be done.
The customer can obtain the product key if they install Belarc Advisor but that should be only for the current version of Windows installed, a determined user might be able to get the old key if you don't format and there is a Windows.old format. The old OS can be restored from the Windows.old folder for instance and BSelarc Advisor can then be used.
Your best bet is to use DBAN and completely wipe the hard drive. Only an expert in data recovery would be able to recover any data from the hard drive, it would probably be costly, time consuming and a pretty difficult job if DBAN is used. - I don't think many people would dedicate the time and resources to recover your data as statistically from a home consumer DBAN wiped system the probability of finding anything of any use to justify the time spent is probably low. For the not so through Windows format, maybe some "baddies" would have a quick look at it to see if they could find anything useful. However it is probably likely to go to a user who just wants to use the laptop. Again see the wiki for instructions on using DBAN.
ejn63
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December 24th, 2012 16:00
The product key is on a label inside the battery compartment.
Philip_Yip
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December 24th, 2012 16:00
See my wiki Windows Reinstallation Guide:
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/3524/t/19480753.aspx
The product key should be located on the COA at the base of the system. The product key won't need to be input if the Dell Reinstallation DVD is used. It will need to be inputted and phone activated to Microsoft if you aren't using a Dell Reinstallation DVD. The wiki describes both methods in detail although the reinstallation DVD is recommended.
As you are parting with the laptop ensure that you format it completely to get rid of any personal data with DBAN as mentioned in the wiki. DBAN will wipe things completely unlike the standard Windows format.
ejn63
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December 24th, 2012 17:00
Before you reinstall the OS, run the disc through Darek's Boot and Nuke, which will securely wipe out the drive. However, the only sure way to prevent someone determined from retrieving data from doing so, is to retain the drive yourself.
If you don't instal your product key, no one can find it.
PizzaPatz
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December 24th, 2012 17:00
Thank you natakuc4,
However, I do have two more questions if you would answer for me please:
- If I formatted this laptop and sell it, will the customer, in any chance, restore my old files? I don't want to leave any of my personal informations and a person creep on my old stuff
- Similar to question 1, will they know my Windows 7 product key that is not OEM in any ways because of I installed it before?
askbalaji
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February 21st, 2017 11:00
HI,
I have a Dell Inspironn N5010 recently my windows crashed and when i booted i got strip grains when dell logo was appearing when booting. i gave the laptop in local service centre and the guy told it was graphich issiue and hardisk was corrputed and wiped the entire data and removed all partions . my product key sticker below the laptop has faded . I had a windows 7 OEM home edition. How can i retrive my product key. please help.
ejn63
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February 21st, 2017 12:00
You can't, but as long as you have the OEM disc, you won't need a product key to do the install - the Dell BIOS will pre-activate Windows.
Philip_Yip
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February 21st, 2017 13:00
Did the system ever have Windows 10 installed and activated?