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Thread ID: 119399	2011-07-21 08:21:00	What is my OEM key for reinstall?	supersi (8401)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1218094	2011-07-21 08:21:00	I just bought an HP Pavilion dm1 with Windows 7 Home Premium on it. I want to blow away all the partitions and reformat the laptop to my liking and reinstall Windows 7. The last laptop I had, had an OEM sticker on the bottom with the key. This one doesn't. How do I discover my OEM key?	supersi (8401)
1218095	2011-07-21 08:27:00	If you use another version of Win7 (besides what was on it), I dont think you can use the same key See if this will tell you www.nirsoft.net I would create the restore CD / DVD (if its got a hidden partition). In case something doesnt work	Speedy Gonzales (78)
1218096	2011-07-21 09:15:00	Do a search for a program called Keyfinder.2.0.1. When run it will list all the MS keycodes for their aps on your PC.. There is a free version here and a pay version that shows more info.. www.magicaljellybean.com	paulw (1826)
1218097	2011-07-21 09:18:00	Had a Toshiba Laptop like that a few days ago,Next to new, no COA on the bottom :( I was going to wipe the drive and do a fresh install without all the "extras" It was a ex demo the person had brought, there was no sign of the COA being removed. Still had the plastic wrapping on it. If W7 is anything like XP regarding the pre installed product key, while you can see it Via Magicjellybean / keyfinder (www.magicaljellybean.com) dont be at all surprised if it wont activate using a normal OEM DVD. It more than likely will Install OK, but the key thats on the machines is not the same one thats on the COA ( if there is one) the keys used by the Manufactures are used on many PC's / Laptops, its like a volume key, theres a certain file within the recovery WIM Licensed by MS the manufactures install that makes the keys legal.(One MS rep told me that) The reason for this is simple, someone like HP/Compaq when running a batch of new Computers (lets say 1000 at a time) are not going to have someone enter in keys separately for every new PC built, They use the one Image for every PC built containing the one Key. Best way may be to make a recovery DVD(s) then uninstall / remove all the extra crap the OEM's install. Last time I tried to use the pre-installed COA, when calling MS to manually activate, they said the key is not showing as legit, told them I had to use the pre-installed key, they said use the COA on the bottom -- Errrrr catch 22 - there isn't one :(	wainuitech (129)
1218098	2011-07-21 09:44:00	Thanks all, I've found a couple of keys.	supersi (8401)
1218099	2011-07-21 09:54:00	IIRC if you remove the battery or the complete base of the laptop on the DM1 its hidden there.	Alex B (15479)
1218100	2011-07-21 10:40:00	Thanks Alex. HP doesn't make it obvious. There's a black plastic 'vanity' cover on the bottom of the laptop. You have to pop it off, there are no screws. I found the key. It's different from the 2 keys software detected.	supersi (8401)
1218101	2011-07-21 11:14:00	Yeah they use an image that ties into the HP DMI when they do the build. The OEM sticker/key is basically there for licence reasons, but you can use it for a reinstall. :)	Alex B (15479)
1218102	2011-07-22 04:59:00	Do a search for a program called Keyfinder.2.0.1. When run it will list all the MS keycodes for their aps on your PC.. There is a free version here and a pay version that shows more info.. www.magicaljellybean.com DO NOT try & use a HP Bulk(from keyfinder) key on a reinstall with 'normal' Win OEM/retail setup CD. been there-done that, fails on activation :badpc: allways use the key on that sticker	1101 (13337)
1218103	2011-07-22 07:56:00	DO NOT try & use a HP Bulk(from keyfinder) key on a reinstall with 'normal' Win OEM/retail setup CD. been there-done that, fails on activation :badpc: allways use the key on that sticker Keyfinder is a program that will list the Windows keycodes for you not generate new ones.. I've used it on OEM machines with no problems..	paulw (1826)
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