Solved Software which to check Product Key with Windows CD

[Music46]

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]

There is no authorized tool available to check whether a particular key is valid or genuine prior to the install, you need to install win7 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]

There is no authorized tool available to check whether a particular key is valid or genuine prior to the install, you need to install win7 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]

By OEM windows keys, I presume you mean the sticker keys? If yes, they will work with a regular win7 dvd, rest assured.

 

[Music46]

By OEM windows keys, I presume you mean the sticker keys? If yes, they will work with a regular win7 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]

There is no authorized tool available to check whether a particular key is valid or genuine prior to the install, you need to install win7 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]

You dont need to waste money on buying a disk if you have legit sticker keys. Borrow a regular win7 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]

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

 

[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?

 

[Bill2]

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 win7 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.

 

[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 win7 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.

Thanks

So I guess a Windows 7 Basic disc will cover 32 and 64bit version of Pro, and Ultimate.

What it be the same for Windows Xp and Vista? Or do they need to be specific?

 

[Bill2]

No no no. See, win7 product keys are edition specific but not architecture specific. That means the home basic key can only be used to activate a home basic install (both 32 bit and 64 bit) but it cant activate any other edition.

Win7 disks are generic so they contain all edition images though these may need to be unlocked. But a single pre-manufactured disk wil only contain either 32 bit or 64 bit.

Dude listen, dont get into the technicalities. As I had advised earlier, find a generic win7 disk on the net or from a friend, install the edition that is written on the sticker, then activate with the sticker key.

 

[Music46]

No no no. See, win7 product keys are edition specific but not architecture specific. That means the home basic key can only be used to activate a home basic install (both 32 bit and 64 bit) but it cant activate any other edition.

Win7 disks are generic so they contain all edition images though these may need to be unlocked. But a single pre-manufactured disk wil only contain either 32 bit or 64 bit.

Dude listen, dont get into the technicalities. As I had advised earlier, find a generic win7 disk on the net or from a friend, install the edition that is written on the sticker, then activate with the sticker key.

Ok...

Thanks

Sorry to be a pain Bill, but is it the same for Vista and XP?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

I guess you didn't believe me?

 

[gregrocker]

It is the same as described for Vista, but not for XP which requires specific installer for OEM or retail of each version.

With Vista you do not need to unlock all versions as you do with Win7 by using this method.

 

[Music46]

Thanks guys.

I was up all night installing the 3 Machines with Windows 7. Problem Solved.

 

[Buddahfan]

There is some free software out there that will allow you to view your Windows "Product Keys" if you lose them and need them. I tested it and it works fine.

ProduKey