Perhaps. It's not uncommon for an OEM to use one copy of an OS and load it to hundreds of PCs. What makes each install unique is the key and a license is purchased for that key. The problem is that your OS product code was assigned to Dell and your PC is not an OEM Dell. It means the builder stole the OS and is using a fraudulent key. I wouldn't be surprised if the OS stops working after 90 days.
Interesting that. I purchased this computer over a year ago. So if it was invalid wouldn't it have stopped working in the 90 days like you say?
I'm very confused on this matter, changing the terminology doesn't help.
The key refers to the product key on the Windows 7 Ultimate box that was purchased.
The licence is acquired when you register it with Microsoft.
So what is this product code that is assigned to this Dell?
Also, you can purchase and register Windows 7 on up to a certain number of computers before issues arise, correct?
I just want to see if there is a way to correct this issue without having to fork out close to 200 bucks for a valid copy, which i'm more than happy to do if that is the only way.
I'm not intentionally changing the terminology. There are two codes associated with every Windows product. Product Code is Product ID. This the 18-20 character designation for each Windows version. It will look something like this: 89578-OEM-7332157-00056.
Product Key is a one-of-a-kind 25 character code used to register your product. It will look something like this: *****-*****-WWR7C-QF2M7-2TB37. (Asterisks replaced valid characters.) And ALWAYS keep this code private.
While there may be millions of duplicate Product IDs, each Product Key is unique and becomes part of your Globally Unique ID (GUID) for a specific machine, including CPU, Motherboard and other hardware. Any significant changes to the PC will cause Windows to generate a new GUID and link it to Microsoft.
Did you get a Windows CD or is there a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) sticker attached to your PC? The CoA sticker should be attached on the back or side of the PC and will contain both the Product ID and the unique Product Key. Since your Product ID was originally assigned to Dell for use in Dell computers, the CoA sticker will show the OEM name. Any other use of the Dell Product is fraudulent. The builder may be using a product key assigned to him by a license subscription from Microsoft. This license is for products HE uses or has available as a developer. When his subscription runs out so will the keys. It is illegal for him to transfer the product keys to someone else.
The sticker will look something like this.
Alright, well that spells it out for me.
Turns out my buddy may be able to get a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate for pretty cheap for me, so i'm gonna look into that and just re-install, because I don't see any sticker as you've described.
Thanks for all the help and info.
Be careful where you buy Windows 7 Ultimate for "cheap". There's a lot of counterfeit copies being sold. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
How to know you're buying genuine Windows - Microsoft Windows
Take special note of the edge-to-edge hologram. Counterfeit copies will have a label and you can feel the edge of the label. A Genuine CD will have the hologram embedded into the CD itself.
Here's a YouTube example of a fake CD. Bogus Windows 7 warning - YouTube
I am glad you informed me of this.
Here I was thinking "If it's not in the sealed package, i'm not gonna get it."
HA! XD Apparently that doesn't matter!
Thanks again guys, you've been super helpful.
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