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Aurora R7, where is the Windows 10 key?
Hi,
I recently purchased an Alienware R7 desktop from Best Buy. This is the first time I am using Windows 10, and I understand that it has some new restore abilities that are far advanced than what previous versions of Windows could do. However, I would always like to have the option of completely reformatting everything and starting fresh if needed, but in order to do that I would need the cd-key/license to reinstall Windows. I can't seem to find it anywhere on the case, and there were no inserts that had it in the packaging either.
I tried asking someone at Best Buy last night, but nobody really knew the answer. One person said that I would need to "register" my computer with Microsoft, and then they would give me a key.
If anyone could provide more insight as to where I can find or obtain my Windows key, I would really appreciate it!
Here is the link to the computer I purchased from BB:
Thanks for your help!
speedstep
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March 30th, 2018 08:00
Because You did not purchase directly from Dell I encourage you to IMMEDIATELY register.
http://www.dell.com/register
It takes 15 business days for it to show up in the system.
Machines that Came with Windows 10 have the key in BIOS.
Registration with Microsoft Requires going online and tagging the activation server every 180 days.
You do not need a key only the installation media.
How to Download and Use the Dell OS Recovery Image in Microsoft Windows
http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln299044/
You will need AT LEAST 16 Gig USB flash drive to create this media.
Larger than 32 gigs is pointless.
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Cruzer-Blade-Flash-Drive/dp/B005FYNT3G
If you prefer to use a physical device, please contact Dell technical support to order a copy. There may be a fee associated with this service.
tarzan2001
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March 30th, 2018 09:00
Thank you for your reply! I am surprised that I was not told to do this by the BB employee(s), nor was there any printed information included with the computer itself.
I really appreciate the information and will let you know if I have any more questions!
Best wishes!
adolfojbarreto
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April 29th, 2019 05:00
You can always find the original Windows 10 key if you had a legitimate Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or10 installation. Open a Windows command prompt (As Administrator). Type or copy & paste the following:
This command will display the original product key.
speedstep
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April 29th, 2019 06:00
Actually it doesnt
It parrots back the text "OA3xOriginalProductKey"
Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.15063]
(c) 2017 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
C:\windows\system32>wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
OA3xOriginalProductKey
The powershell equivalent does not appear to work either.
powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey"
Making that shorter does seem to show a lot if info but not the KEY
powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’)
OA2xBiosMarkerMinorVersion : 1
OA2xBiosMarkerStatus : 1
OA3xOriginalProductKey :
OA3xOriginalProductKeyDescription :
OA3xOriginalProductKeyPkPn :
PolicyCacheRefreshRequired : 0
I know wmic is working because the service tag shows up correctly.
wmic bios get serialnumber
RWEVERYTHING and SHOWKEYPLUS do work however.
https://github.com/Superfly-Inc/ShowKeyPlus/releases/tag/ShowKeyPlus6893