Yet Another Question About Windows 7 Activation

creichert · Apr 19, 2014

Hello All...
Here's what I have:
A Dell Latitude E6400 purchased from eBay with no hard drive; thus, no operating system. The computer has a Vista COA still attached.

Here's what I did, and the results:
I installed a hard drive, and installed a Dell Windows 7 Pro O/S from a Dell reinstall disk I had laying around. My thought, was it would give me the typical trial time, then I would need to enter my new Windows Product Key...which I have (a valid Windows 7 Pro COA).
The software loaded fine, but it is reading as "activated" and genuine.

Question:
Why did a computer, which previously ran Vista, load a fully activated Windows 7 with out having to enter another COA product key? Also, there is not the customary link in the genuine/activation area which I can click on to enter my valid COA key for Windows 7...confused here.
Thanks for the help

knight_of_baawa · Apr 19, 2014

It recognized the Dell OEM BIOS code and activated that way.

creichert · Apr 19, 2014

knight_of_baawa :

But is it legitimate? Or will it decide after 30 days to become non-genuine? I do have a legitimate COA sticker for Windows 7, will I not need it then?
Something seems fishy here...

knight_of_baawa · Apr 19, 2014

Well......
Technically, it's not legitimate insofar as we have to say here due to legal issues (don't want to run afoul of that). But from Windows' perspective: it is legit. It recognized a Dell code and activated off of that.

Obnoxious · Apr 19, 2014

If it's a Dell Windows 7 disc, the copy of Windows 7 on that disc is pre-activated, as it's OEM hence it doesn't require a key. Many manufacturers, including Dell also possess the ability to do this. If you were to install a retail Windows 7 version, not OEM but directly from Microsoft, then you would be required to enter a key or face using the trial version.

Regardless, you have a genuine copy of Windows 7. It might be worth noting that the Dell disc you have may come supplied with terms/conditions; stating that you should only use it with the computer that it shipped with, which is quite common.

Whatever you decide to do, whether it's reinstalling Windows 7 with a retail copy, or continue using the Dell copy is completely your call. I don't mind which you chose (of course), and you should be fine if you keep your setup the way it is.

All the best.

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Yet Another Question About Windows 7 Activation

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