How do OEMs like Dell license their machines - all about asset tags

Discussion in 'Windows Vista' started by Yen, Nov 10, 2008.

  1. Chappers

    Chappers MDL Novice

    Jan 3, 2009
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    Hi,

    Sorry for being thick, but I'm new to all of this. I have a Dell Inspiron 1501, but i don't fully understand what any of this will change? This laptop must be what is called a licensed one, because I can re-install Vista after formatting and not need to enter the serial key from the license sticker on the back of the machine.

    Does all of this reveal hidden options in the BIOS, or is it all simply to turn non-licensed laptops into licensed ones, so no key is needed?

    If there are hidden options in the BIOS, I'd be interested to reveal them.

    Thanks.
     
  2. urie

    urie Moderator
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    May 21, 2007
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    You dont need to enter key because it is allready on your vista dvd in a file called PID.TXT
     
  3. Chappers

    Chappers MDL Novice

    Jan 3, 2009
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    Thanks for that. What does trying the procedures mentioned before in this article actually do then? Is a 'slic' a hidden part of the bios menu? And what's a pre-licensed bios?
     
  4. urie

    urie Moderator
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    May 21, 2007
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  5. karabela

    karabela MDL Novice

    Jan 13, 2009
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    Fleetlord. i have also a poweredge 2900. i installed W2K8_64_STA_SLP.iso. after that i booted from a floppy and executed asset PASS:12/31. reboot took the bios to bios manufacturer mode. the system booted to win2k8 with no problems. i have a perc5i raid controller. bios didnt have any problems with it. win2k8 stil not activated. i restarted it twice it still was unactivated. i used the asset tool from dell R109071.exe. hopefully you can help me out.
     
  6. offon7544

    offon7544 MDL Expert

    Sep 27, 2007
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    And what about Certificate and Key ? What did you used ?
     
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  7. ficho

    ficho MDL Novice

    Apr 28, 2008
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    Tested on Optiplex755 OK!
    regards
     
  8. rahbat

    rahbat MDL Novice

    Mar 25, 2008
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    Thanks mate
    it is great
    excellent works for optiplex 745
     
  9. abogangster

    abogangster MDL Novice

    Jan 23, 2009
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    A slightly different path for Dell laptops

    For inspiron laptops (and probably Vostro too), the basic concept is the same, but in these case, you need svctag.exe and a valid service tag from a Vista loaded laptop (same model laps), simply "clone" the Service Tag.

    After that, just install Vista from a Dell OEM DVD.

    Hope you find the tip helpful. :p

    Just waiting for a similar method for my HP 530 Notebook (not to much hope) :(
     
  10. rosewood

    rosewood MDL Novice

    Jan 23, 2009
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    So if you have a Dell purchased w/o the OS you just

    1) Install S2008 using the SLP key
    2) Slmgr -ilk the certificate (link or filename anyone, please?)
    3) Reset your asset tag and reboot as mentioned in the OP
    4) Enjoy your activated product.

    Correct?
     
  11. luv2chill

    luv2chill MDL Novice

    Jan 2, 2008
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    Just want to report this works great on the PowerEdge 840. Used the PASS:12/31 and rebooted and Server 2008 was activated.

    Thanks a million pix and Yen!

    BTW: rosewood that is correct. In my case I used an OEM install disc that already had the SLP key and cert.
     
  12. oden2k

    oden2k MDL Novice

    Feb 10, 2009
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    has anybody got this to work on a Dell Inspiron 530 series (specifically a inspiron 530n unix pre-loaded system ) or Vostro 200/400??
     
  13. Dat1

    Dat1 MDL Novice

    Jan 29, 2009
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    Hello,
    I am working on an Optiplex GX620, Installed with an Dell OEM version of Vista. I changed the service tag, first to PASS:12/31 then to PASS:12/34. The BIOS entered the manufacturers mode and asked me to hit Ctr-F to reboot.
    Still no activation. If anyone knows why this doesn't work or has other ideas on what I can do to try and get Vista activated I would greatly appreciate it.
    In the mean time I will try to reinstall the operating system.

    Note: after changing the asset tag I get an error in Vista vtUILEXO.dll, couldn't find any info regarding this dll on Google. Could be from some program I have installed???

    Best regards
     
  14. zores527

    zores527 MDL Novice

    Jan 11, 2008
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    hi all,
    Great Job, i tried svctag 3.4 on dell Studio 1735 with free OS and keep same id after reset. finally VISTA ACTIVATED !!!
    Thank you very much.
     
  15. urie

    urie Moderator
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    May 21, 2007
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    I have Dell Inpiron 530 desktop but it came with vista home premium , didn't you get any dell cd/dvd, at all there is service tag program on drivers dvd.
     
  16. oden2k

    oden2k MDL Novice

    Feb 10, 2009
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    Actually I got the DELL INSPIRON 530N which comes with UBUNTU. In Everest Ultimate I can't see a SLIC table entry so it be great if something like this was to work.

    thanks for the replies!
     
  17. truckid

    truckid MDL Novice

    Jan 1, 2009
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    Activate Dell for Windows 2003/XP

    I have a newish Dell Vostro, which came pre-installed with Vista. Its obviously got the slip in bios, as when I want to reformat, I just use the disc supplied, no need for keys and its activated.

    However, I am trying to get Windows 2003 working on my laptop, using the same method. I have created a Windows 2003 OEM disc with the relevant OEM files, but so far it does not actiavte.

    I guess I have the SLIP2 in my bios for Vista. For Windows 2003/XP I need SLIP1. Question is that will this methiod of chaning assest tags activate Winows 2003 too, or just Vista ?

    Thanks
     
  18. urie

    urie Moderator
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    May 21, 2007
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  19. truckid

    truckid MDL Novice

    Jan 1, 2009
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    #59 truckid, Feb 18, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: May 23, 2017
  20. HSChronic

    HSChronic MDL Expert

    Aug 25, 2007
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