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windowslicense-keyproduct-key
Bozhidar Ganev
Bozhidar Ganev

Reputation: 45

Testing if Windows product key is valid

I want to buy a Windows Vista product key from what appears to be an old laptop. I was wondering how I can test if it still works (because I am aware of certain limitations on the number of computer you can register a key on). The idea I had is to create a VM with Windows Vista, disconnect it from the Internet and then use the key on it. If it works - just delete the VM.
Should this work in practice?
Also is it possible the key to be tied to the specific laptop it came from?
Thank you in advance.

Upvotes: 1

Views: 14056

Answers (1)

Guillaume
Guillaume

Reputation: 198

You need to take care about OEM keys (attached to the material). If Vista came preinstalled on your computer, or you bought an OEM Licence/Download, it is classified as an OEM licence and is non-transferable.

Check if a key is an OEM key

Open a command line on your old computer and type :

slmgr.vbs /dlv

If you have an OEM key you will see at the third line :

Description: Windows(R) Operating System, OEM_DM channel

For a retail version you will see later in the text :

mx?configextension=Retail

If you have a retail key there is no problem, you may transfer it to another computer/laptop as much as you want. But, it may only be installed on one computer at a time. Your old computer will be automatically desactivated.

Upvotes: 3

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