Installing Windows on computer with embedded key in UEFI chip

Question

Hi.

I've got a computer that apparently has a Windows 7 license key embedded onto the UEFI chip. I need to do a clean installation of Windows because the last user has made a complete mess of the system. I've got an Windows 7 image that I will create a bootable USB installer with. The question is do I need to input any license key during installation? The computer does not have a license key sticker on it so I do not have the license key but a Windows Script Host command "slmgr -dli" shows that there is a key present in the system.

Thank you.

Answer 1

As a precaution, I would try retreiving the product key before attempting the reinstall from the USB Media.

I would also ensure you are installing the right edition of Windows 7 that corresponds with the embedded key.

If it does not, then it won't activate.

Here are four utilities, all of which will may display your product keys if they are still there:

Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free\_download.html

(It does a good job of providing a wealth of information.)

Also: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

and: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product\_cd\_key\_viewer.html

and RockXP: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4138.html which has additional features,

Answer 2

I have never come across a case where they haven't displayed the right key and corresponding edition.

Since you have found the edition installed, you should be able to reinstall and reactivate as long as you have that product key.

Answer 3

As a precaution, I would try retreiving the product key before attempting the reinstall from the USB Media.

I would also ensure you are installing the right edition of Windows 7 that corresponds with the embedded key.

If it does not, then it won't activate.

Here are four utilities, all of which will may display your product keys if they are still there:

Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free\_download.html

(It does a good job of providing a wealth of information.)

 

Also: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

and: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product\_cd\_key\_viewer.html

and RockXP: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4138.html which has additional features,

Andre,

Thanks a lot for an informative reply. I will definitely try these utilities first. I assume these utilities will also tell me which version of Windows 7 the key is for, will they not?

You did say these utilities may display the product key. What if they (all) fail to display a key, is there a way to retrieve the license key? I spoke to the computer supplier and they gave me a serial number of what they claim to be the license on this computer.

Just for your information the WSH command returned the following information:

Name: Windows(R) 7, Professional edition

Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_SLP channel

Partial Product Key: 24367

License Status: Notification

Notification Reason: 0xC004F057