Will I need a Windows key for a factory restore?

[The Halo Don]

Want to factory restore a used laptop my brother bought, will it need a Windows key if I do the factory restore?

I am wanting to use the built in factory restore (comes up when I push F8 at startup and choose to repair)


I'd also like to include that it didn't come with the Windows key that's usually at the bottom.

What are the options I have?

 

[cl-scott]

You shouldn't if this is an OEM system, but the fact that it didn't come with the product key sticker is very suspect. Basically you are required to affix that to the outside of the unit as part of the reseller program, and it should go with the unit no matter what. So it's possible the person your brother bought this laptop off of is trying to pull some kind of scam, and it might be worth reporting it to Microsoft's piracy line.

 

[The Halo Don]

It's a Dell system, so I should be okay if I restore it right?

As for the piracy thing, I've read that the key sometimes comes in the box, and the person my brother bought it from said they threw away the box.
I'm sure there's no scam going on.

 

[nikorr]

If u do factory restore, u need to activate as it erases the drive's content.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Actually on a dell you don't always have to activate on a restore because its tied to the board,but a clean install yes.

 

[The Halo Don]

Actually on a dell you don't always have to activate on a restore because its tied to the board,but a clean install yes.

Thank you, time to restore this baby!

 

[The Halo Don]

Let me just make sure for future reference,

Factory restore = No Key required

Clean Install off of another image = Key required

Correct?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Factory restore Dell = No Key required < most of the time

Clean Install off of another image = Key required < all of the time

 

[The Halo Don]

Wish me luck then, I deleted a virus the PC had, and can't get into the Home screen.

Restore is the best option perhaps.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

If it's a factory restore image or partition you should be fine.

 

[The Halo Don]

Sweet!

Didn't ask for a key, thanks for your help!

 

[The Halo Don]

Best answer selected by The Halo Don.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Your welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr