Windows 7 Licensing

[horstj]

I have recently found out that MS/Dell no longer have COAs on the outside of their computers as they're trying to cut down on piracy. Instead, they use a SLIC table in the BIOS. Our general procedure upon receiving a new computer from Dell is to immediately wipe the factory image and install our company's own. In this case, what license key are we to use? We use an XML file to apply the key and it would suck to have to manually change it for every system.

When we ran into this in the past, we were told that the COA was the real license and that any OEM key would work. We installed Win 7 from an OEM cd, used keyfinder to get the key, and use that with all of our installations. Is this still (was it ever??) a valid procedure? What is the industry accepted way to do this?

 

[AddRAM]

Have you addressed the question to Microsoft ?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yep I believe this might help
Microsoft Volume Licensing - How to Purchase Through Volume Licensing

 

[AddRAM]

Your method is not typical, but half right. Why would you ever install windows from an oem cd, then have to manually add the software ?

You or the help desk installs windows and your software using an image from a disc or usb stick (rare) or over the network (typical), and activates using a VLK.

It`s the same key whether you have 200 PC`s or a 1000.

You don`t change the key on every PC.

This is common practice and the industry standard.

Not sure why a so called "Company" would be asking this question here on a public forum

I hope your company changes it`s methods and policies.

 

[Layback Bear]

I'm trying to understand but am having problems.

Why would a company with a VLK license buy computers with a OEM/SLP operating system already installed?

 

[UsernameIssues]

~~~
We installed Win 7 from an OEM cd, used keyfinder to get the key, and use that with all of our installations. Is this still (was it ever??) a valid procedure? What is the industry accepted way to do this?

You should follow the method published in this document:
Download Updated: Preserving OEM Activation in Windows Vista and Windows 7 from Official Microsoft Download Center

Page 7 is specific to your question:

1. On your technician computer, create an unattended-setup answer file, or open an existing answer file. For more information, see the following topic in the Windows OPK or the Windows AIK documentation: "Create a New Answer File".
Important
Make sure the answer file does not include product-key settings (Microsoft-Windows-Setup\UserData\ProductKey\Key or Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup\ProductKey), to avoid overwriting the product key already present in the OEM image. Inserting a blank entry may also result in an error.

I'm trying to understand but am having problems.

Why would a company with a VLK license buy computers with a OEM/SLP operating system already installed?

1) Dell n-series computers are sold with FreeDOS. Dell offers a limited hardware selection with this option.

n-Series systems sold with FreeDOS are not eligible for upgrades to Microsoft client operating systems as part of a Microsoft Volume Licensing Agreement.

Perhaps the use of a VLK is limited by BIOS? No SLIC table?

2) It is cheaper not to deviate from the norm.

3) You can buy from the entire Dell product line. Dell computers that already have an OEM key will accept a VLK.

4) As far as I know, every computer that we get where I work already has a Microsoft Windows OEM key.
Some of these computers never go on the company network. Those computers will depend on the original OEM key. Computers that will go on our company network will get re-imaged. Those computers use our VLK and must periodically contact our in-house MKS servers to remain activated.