Reformatting with OEM disc's

So I bought an Inspiron laptop for my daughter, but she's not getting it for a few months (got a great deal with one of the Dell coupons, and I decided to jump on it). I'm going to do a clean install on it - I know I can install the OS from the Dell disk provided. When I go to configure the system, Windows is obviously going to ask me to activate (I assume). Will Windows recognize that its an OEM version of the OS, and accept the key on the bottom of the laptop, or will I have to get on the phone with Dell and/or Microsoft? I've never installed an OS from a manufacturer provided disk (with XP i purchased a retail version and built my own desktop/s)

 

I don't exactly follow you--you've got it from Dell and the OS is already installed...are you just trying to remove the bloat that Dell includes?

Well, whatever, to answer your question...assuming Dell has not changed their OEM Disk lately (big assumption, as they seem to change all the time), you can use the cd-key on the bottom of the laptop and your disk will take it. It will then need to be activated, usually over the Internet will do. Every once in a while, something odd happens.

This key will differ from the one that is pre-installed on your laptop (if you were to use any number of programs to look at the key). The windows install on your laptop is a pre-activated install made from a disk image. THAT key will not work with your OEM disk

 

Check this thread.

 

If you use the OEM disk to format, you won't be asked for a key (there will not be a single prompt anywhere), the key is embedded in the disk and is not needed while installation (and it is different from the one on the bottom). Also, it is pre-activated, you won't have to activate/call/register anything. Install Vista with you OEM disk, and you're done. This is true for DELL for sure, and maybe for other brands as well (I'm not sure about other brands).

 

Bingo. Even if you get asked, use the key on the bottom. If it does not activate, you'd just have to call MS and they'll activate it by phone in like 10 minutes.

 

This is also true of some like Sony, HP, Asus but not all OEM work this way many OEM keys will needs activation by phone or online, but we wont go into details here
In your case you'll be fine but if you do use your details on the underside of the laptop once activated search the net for a program called Activation Backup & Restore Program. What this does is once your activated it will backup your Vista activation to USB flash drive etc so you can use it later (you may re format drive say, saves you ring up once again)

 

I want to clarify once again, it depends on the "oem" disk you are provided with.

If the OEM disks provided are images, than you are simply reinstalling the original, factory-state OS, with all the software (including bloatware). You will not be asked for the key

If you receive a customized OEM disk, you may not be asked for a key, as it is sometimes integrated into the install process. Again, you may receive some bloatware installed in this manner.

However, if you received a generic OEM disk, you WILL be asked for the key (but you will not get the bloatware)

The last Dell I played with (received in August 2007) came with a generic OEM key. The fresh install required a key AND activation.

Again, Dell changes its OEM -strategy like some people change underwear. I've had it go all three ways over the years.

Best advice--be prepared for all three eventualities

 

When I did the install last night, it didnt ask me for a key, but required activation. Windows said the key provided was invalid (looks like the OEM key was imbedded) and when I entered a different key (the one on the bottom of the laptop) it was also rejected. I'll give Dell or MS a call later on today (I was too tired last night to deal with it and wait on the phone)

 

The Dell OEM disc should recognize that your laptop is a Dell (by the Dell BIOS) and shouldn't ask for a key.

Strange that it didn't work for you.

And also, reinstalling Windows with an OEM disc DOES NOT reinstall the bloatware originally included with the laptop.

 

Too bad you didn't listen to "M1chel", my thread could have saved you this issue and also answered all of your other questions.

 

Too bad I did it before seeing his post; its no big deal - I can do it over again