Re: Two XP machines, same product key
- From: "Xandros" <arron.neus*remove*@gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:50:55 -0600
"PanHandler" <Boon@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:N2JJk.49080$bx1.32576@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"smlunatick" <yveslec@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:b08d30df-38e2-428b-9cc7-f80b28daacc9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On Oct 16, 3:48 pm, "PanHandler" <B...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Yesterday I bought a new eMachine at Wal-Mart for $298, with XP Home
preinstalled. After getting it configured and loading some programs I
wanted
to get some info on the machine, so I loaded the Aida SysInfo utility and
while poking around in it noticed that the OS key looked familiar. I went
to
my list of machines/keys on my other computers and found the SAME key in
use
on one of my old (5 Year) eMachines that I sold about a year ago! I read
both keys at least five times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.
What the hell? What are the odds of M$ doing that accidentally, and on
top
of that, the chances an individual would ever catch it? How the hell can
this be?
PS:
XP was preloaded, so it didn't even do the validation thing.
eMachine, as well as large computer makers (Dell, HP, Lenovo) each
have a special bulk install license. Microsoft permits this since the
PCs are produced in large quantities. However, with the XP recovery
method provided, each PC have their own unique XP CD key sticker.
OK. I did see that the sticker is different than what Aida reports. Which
key is recognized by M$?
Both keys are acceptable. However when, or if, you use the Recovery Disc set
that came with the new computer the old key that AIDA found will not work
during setup. You will need to supply the Product Key on the sticker which
will work with the Restore Discs.
Many companies have license agreements with Microsoft that enable them to
use the same Product Key for mass install purposes. That way unattended
installs can be done at the factory. These keys will allow activation to be
done. However the software that is supplied with the new computer will have
a different Product Key. Therefore you have the key on the sticker that
differs from the one that was used during the initial factory installation.
Don't worry about trying to change the key until such time that you decide
to reinstall using your Recovery Discs. Make certain you write the Product
Key down from the sticker and keep it with your Restore CDs in a safe place.
--
Xandros
.
- References:
- Two XP machines, same product key
- From: PanHandler
- Re: Two XP machines, same product key
- From: smlunatick
- Re: Two XP machines, same product key
- From: PanHandler
- Two XP machines, same product key
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