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    How to reinstall Windows 7 on my dell xps 15 using key on laptop?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by awaisuk, Apr 20, 2011.

  1. awaisuk

    awaisuk Notebook Deity

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    Hey.

    I just got this laptop.

    How to reinstall Windows 7 on my dell xps 15 using key on laptop?

    I want to reinstall windows but for activation I want to use the key on the bottom of my laptop, how do I do that?

    Thanks.
     
  2. barthdvs

    barthdvs Newbie

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    Just enter the key :)

    But you have to choose the good version, Home premium, pro, utlimate ect....
     
  3. awaisuk

    awaisuk Notebook Deity

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    Well I tried it before on a different laptop and it wouldnt accept the key on the laptop for some reason, that is why i am asking here first.
     
  4. gpig

    gpig Notebook Deity

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    Is the laptop currently working fine, but just not activated yet?

    If so, try calling the number you get on the activation screen. I had to do it once, and it was pretty quick and all automated, although I recall having to enter in about 64 characters I received from the phone on to the laptop.
     
  5. NoAirBanding

    NoAirBanding Notebook Geek

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    If you get or make a Dell Windows 7 disc you don't have to activate it with the key on the bottom, it happens automatically.
     
  6. css_jay99

    css_jay99 Notebook Consultant

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    I agree with NoAirBanding, this is the better route.

    From what little I understand, The Dell OEM disc is a for Volume licencing so the Key requires no activation. Also note that the key used by the OEM disc is actually not the same as the sticker on your Laptop. The key on that sticker I believe is only usefull if you want to install using non OEM discs

    If you dont have a Dell disc just call them up/get it from work / or buy off popular auction site.....
     
  7. NoAirBanding

    NoAirBanding Notebook Geek

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    (Dell certificate + Dell key on the install disk) + Dell information in the BIOS = Activated.

    And the key on the disk is a generic Dell key used on many many systems.
     
  8. thumper300zx

    thumper300zx Notebook Geek

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    Order your install disks from Dell -- there's a link floating around -- one time deal.
     
  9. Ghost_AWP

    Ghost_AWP Notebook Evangelist

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    There is no need to input your product key when reinstalling W7 on a Dell laptop. They come preactivated in the BIOS. It won't ask you for a key during installation. I don't even think you can enter one without Sysprepping your computer first and using an answer file to input the key. I have reloaded a few Dell W7 computers and never get prompted for a product key.
     
  10. awaisuk

    awaisuk Notebook Deity

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    I am asking if I want to reinstall windows using a windows 7 disc and not dell recovery disks, will it ask me for key?
     
  11. NoAirBanding

    NoAirBanding Notebook Geek

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    If you use a Dell disc no, if you use a retail disc, yes.

    You can turn a retail disc into a Dell disc easily, especially if you use a flash drive to install.
     
  12. awaisuk

    awaisuk Notebook Deity

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    If I use dell disk will all dell softwares install with it?
     
  13. awaisuk

    awaisuk Notebook Deity

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    anyone?....
     
  14. NoSlow5oh

    NoSlow5oh Notebook Evangelist

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    The dell dvd that has windows 7 on it only contains window 7 and no dell stuff.
     
  15. shinji257

    shinji257 Notebook Deity

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    Correct. There is a minimal amount of Dell branding even on a Dell Windows 7 disc. There is a folder on the disc that does contain commands to insert and activate the key during first logon.