Windows 7: Software which to check Product Key with Windows CD

Music46 · 10 Mar 2011

Hi,

Is there any software which allows you to test if the Product Key will work with the Windows Installation CD before going through the entire method of installing.

Thanks

Bill2 · 10 Mar 2011

There is no authorized tool available to check whether a particular key is valid or genuine prior to the install, you need to install Windows 7 then input the key, then activate and validate online. And if you are thinking of keygens, forget it- its not possible.

If your product key has come from a legit source, that question should not arise.

Music46 · 10 Mar 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by Bill2

There is no authorized tool available to check whether a particular key is valid or genuine prior to the install, you need to install Windows 7 then input the key, then activate and validate online. And if you are thinking of keygens, forget it- its not possible.

If your product key has come from a legit source, that question should not arise.

I ask this question as I have four machine all with OEM Windows Key, and I don't have the OEM CDs.

Bill2 · 10 Mar 2011

By OEM windows keys, I presume you mean the sticker keys? If yes, they will work with a regular Windows 7 dvd, rest assured.

Music46 · 10 Mar 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by Bill2

By OEM windows keys, I presume you mean the sticker keys? If yes, they will work with a regular Windows 7 dvd, rest assured.

Yes sticker keys.

So I need to buy a regular OEM CD which will cover all the Machine I have which are from different companies?

Is this also the case with Windows XP, and Vista?

IownAmoneyPit · 10 Mar 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by Music46

Quote: Originally Posted by Bill2

There is no authorized tool available to check whether a particular key is valid or genuine prior to the install, you need to install Windows 7 then input the key, then activate and validate online. And if you are thinking of keygens, forget it- its not possible.

If your product key has come from a legit source, that question should not arise.

I ask this question as I have four machine all with OEM Windows Key, and I don't have the OEM CDs.

There should be a COA sticker on the side of each machine (The sticker is your key) , If you have four different stickers, one on each machine then yes you can use one Windows 7 CD. Just install windows 7 on one computer at a time matching the right key to the computer windows is being installed to. Also you may have to visit each manufacturers site to obtain drivers specific to each model.

Edit: Bill2 beat me to the punch line

Bill2 · 10 Mar 2011

You dont need to waste money on buying a disk if you have legit sticker keys. Borrow a regular Windows 7 dvd from a friend or download a clean image off the web, install the same edition that came preinstalled on that computer, then activate with the sticker key.

Thats the case with vista. XP is different because XP doesnt have generic disks, you need to get the exact same edition and preferrably the exact same SP.

theog · 10 Mar 2011

For the Dell in your spec's you could:
How to use Dell Recovery, & how to order Recovery Disks.
Dell - Support

Music46 · 10 Mar 2011

So I guess OEM Disc will ONLY work with a OEM COA?

And a Retail version of Windows 7 will only work with a retail version of COA?

Bill2 · 10 Mar 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by Music46

So I guess OEM Disc will ONLY work with a OEM COA?

And a Retail version of Windows 7 will only work with a retail version of COA?

ALL Windows 7 disks are identical, get hold of any disk (except factory restore disks) and use any key. If you get an upgrade disk, you can still do a clean install with a workaround.

Windows 7: Software which to check Product Key with Windows CD

Software which to check Product Key with Windows CD problems?