Product key different from sticker key in Vista- worth upgrading?

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Paulusheart

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I wanted to reinstall Vista on my old computer. Unfortunately my sticker is damaged. I can only see first 4 characters. I run Windows product Key viewer and Key Finder. Both show different key than this on a sticker. Is there any way to reinstall it using new found key. If not, is it worth to buy oem w7 for 18 pounds? Machine is Core 2 duo 2.13, 3 GB Ram, gt 640 Card.
 
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Make a note of the key you found in your machine and your edition, like Home, Business etc. You can probably re-use the installed key to activate the same edition of Vista. If not, buy a key.

The so-called reinstall disks on ebay work just fine if you have a valid key, which you probably do since it is activated now. Choose a disk that has all editions (Home, Business, Ultimate), 32 and 64 bits. Dell OEM disks work fine on any machine too, but will put a Dell emblem on your system information screen, if you care. Dell will be one edition, and only either 32 bit, or 64 bit, not both. So the more versatile disks work better in general.

Keep in mind Microsoft is not strongly supporting Vista, security updates only, no updated...
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USAFRet

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1. There is no valid Windows 7 for 18 pounds.
2. Yes, you can probably reinstall Vista with the license you discovered. If you really want to stay with Vista...:(
 
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Paulusheart

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I have found refurbished one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ICNQXEO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=XQX52SIBC0U1&coliid=I2P662QPSLWGAA

It will be used by my 8 year old son as a first pc.
 
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USAFRet

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How does one 'refurbish' a DVD?

Did you read the very first Review?
------------------------------------------
"I purchased this OS through Amazon Prime thinking it would ensure that I’d at least get a genuine product. How wrong can you be? It only goes to show that you cannot even trust Amazon over the likes of a well known auction site. My first hint of something a bit fishy appeared on the outer sleeve with the misprint of the line “Printer ID No.”, it actually read “Priter ID No.”. Somehow I don’t think Microsoft would make such an error. On opening the sleeve and removing the CD I also noticed the hologram in the centre, although looking authentic, could not be read from both sides correctly. Further examination proved that the hologram was in fact a sticky label and I was able to lift one edge with my finger nail.
The statement "product is original as shown" is false. My packaging did not look anything like the illustration (See attached photos),
I have returned my order to Amazon for a full refund and suggest that any prospective purchaser avoid this software. "
------------------------------------------

I used the word "valid" in my previous comment for a reason.
 
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Paulusheart

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I understand but... most of comments are ok and I think I may risk a bit because can get refund from Amazon if something is wrong ....anyway I am looking for cheapest way of reviving this pc
By the way worst comment guy did not tried to install it and they sell those from 2014- it would not be possible for amazon to allow not legal thing to happen for so long... I think.
 
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Paulusheart

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Sorry just want to be absolutely sure... Those programs have found different key from one on my Dell PC sticker. Will I be able to use new found key during re-installation?

 
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USAFRet

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Probably. There is but one way to know.
 
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Wolfshadw

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Given the legitimate price of Windows 7 these days, the cheapest route would be to try and install Vista using one of the two keys retrieved. The next option depends on your hardware, but I would look into purchasing Windows 10 over Windows 7. However, if that's not an option, then in order to get that PC running again, you would need to purchase Windows 7 from a legitimate source (and at cost).

-Wolf sends
 
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4745454b

4745454b

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What the key finder programs found are probably OEM keys. You won't be able to activate that. From the MS forums;

Computers, which are built by large manufactures that come with Vista Pre-Installed, come with two (2) Product Keys:

A) OEM SLP: This key comes pre-installed in Vista, when it comes from the Factory. This key is geared to work with the special instructions found only on that Manufacturer's computer hardware. So when Vista was installed using the OEM SLP key (at the factory) Vista looks at the motherboard and sees the special instructions and Self-Activates. (that's why you did not need to Activate your computer after you brought it home)



B) COA SLP: This is the Product key that you see on the sticker on the side (or bottom) of your computer. It is a valid product key, but should only be used in limited situations. The key must be Activated by Phone. (Note: All manufacturers that use the OEM SLP system are required by contract to include a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker, that has a COA SLP key, on the computer)



Your Vista is using an OEM SLP key, but (for whatever reason) cannot see the special instructions in the computer’s motherboard and is unable to Self-Activate.
Click to expand...

Problem is if you try to use "normal" Vista install media the key the programs found won't work. If you haven't changed the motherboard and have a Dell brand Vista DVD then it should work.
 
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Paulusheart

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Thanks for reply.I haven't change motherboard but unfortunately do not have re-installation dvd. I was maybe going to buy one of amazon/ebay. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Windows-Premium-32-bit-Install-Operating/dp/B0113NIBA8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473168202&sr=8-1&keywords=vista+home+premium
Do you think it would work with those 'new found' keys?
 
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slowhands95128

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Make a note of the key you found in your machine and your edition, like Home, Business etc. You can probably re-use the installed key to activate the same edition of Vista. If not, buy a key.

The so-called reinstall disks on ebay work just fine if you have a valid key, which you probably do since it is activated now. Choose a disk that has all editions (Home, Business, Ultimate), 32 and 64 bits. Dell OEM disks work fine on any machine too, but will put a Dell emblem on your system information screen, if you care. Dell will be one edition, and only either 32 bit, or 64 bit, not both. So the more versatile disks work better in general.

Keep in mind Microsoft is not strongly supporting Vista, security updates only, no updated version of IE, etc. They don't want to support his turkey, and it's really a good idea to move on at this point, though I realize we all have inertia. Best of luck with it!
 
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Paulusheart

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Thanks for advice. I do not want to invest too much in this machine as it is old and will be used by my young son for basic things. Probably will try to buy re-installation disk and give it a go.
 
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