Key code retreivers

[Burts]

Ok I am the original owner of my asus laptop and I tried 2 different keycode retreivers (Majic JellyBean and Keyfinderthing 3) both come out with the same keycode for vista but it does not match my keycode under my laptop. Any reason why? Is my sticker wrong or the keycode finders?

[Steve R Jones]

That's normal for store bought machines.
They use a "production" keycode to avoid having to sit down and fire up each machine to enter a seperate code.

[Flying JJ]

I had almost a similar problem. A friend has a licensed copy and therfore a key for windows. We need to reinstall Windows. I have a TechNet subscription and can get the program ( iso discs ), I called Microsoft and asked if his key will work with the programs from the download center since they are retail versions and his is oem. The reply from the Microsoft rep. was as Steven answered, it probably has a production key and that key probably will not work with other than a reload of the same program (oem) on the same system. I can use one of my keys that I can request ( they are for my use only per the agreement ). She stated he has a license ( the sticker is the proof ), so it is a licensed copy, which key and copy of the same OS doesn't really matter. I restated the obvious, " so as long as Microsoft got paid for a copy, it doesn't matter what key we use". Her reply was, after a chuckle, thats about it.

Does this help, probably not. When you buy a new system, it comes with a bulk OEM key. The sticker is just your license or proof of purchase so to speak. Most people will not have to reload windows or will not know how to anyway. The os's are bulk loaded and key/stickers are bulk applied to the cases. Those OEM keys are only good for that machine, and can not be reused as far as I know.

You never did say why you needed the key?

[Burts]

The reason I ask is because I have a friends laptop im fixing and I ordered the acer restore disk for his laptop but the keycode for vista under his laptop has been damaged and unreadable.

I dont know if I need the keycode anyhow to use the restore disk, but I extracted the keycode from his laptop using the key extracting programs. Just trying to make sure incase I sink deeper then I intend.

[Flying JJ]

I would call ACER and tell them just that. Give them the code you retrieved and as much of the code from the tag as you can, if they can't help, try calling Microsoft. They will probably ask a bunch of questions about the friend so have him handy. If it was a registered copy ( with Microsoft ), they should be able to give you a key that will work. Not sure what the OEM code "links" to , I think it is some sort of code/tag for the mobo. I am not sure how they activate the os at the factory or if you have to do it at home yet by entering the key from the sticker.

[Steve R Jones]

All questions related to a OEM version have to be directed to the pc maker. This is part off the reason MS sells OEM versions for less money - cause they don't support em.