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423
Data Creation Tool and a Clean Install
XPS 8950
About a week ago, I had to do a factory reinstall using SupportAssist. Dell techs worked 1 1/2 hours to try to fix. It didn't go well, but I eventually got things fixed myself. I was not at all impressed with SupportAssist, and if I ever have to do an install of the OS, I will use Microsoft's Media Creation Tool and do a clean install:
https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
The install would be on this same machine, on the SSD.
I have two questions:
1) What's the difference between the 2nd and 3rd methods?
2) I don't understand how Microsoft knows the Product Key of my OEM install. How is this conveyed? Can I find it out?
Thanks.
filbert
4 Operator
4 Operator
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1.8K Posts
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May 26th, 2023 17:00
I may not see what you see. On that page I see four large icons: Windows 11; Windows 10; Windows 8.1; and Windows 8.
I would follow the process that I wrote, in the link that I gave you. Many forum members have followed it and had success with it.
filbert
4 Operator
4 Operator
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1.8K Posts
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May 26th, 2023 16:00
1. I don't know what "2nd and 3rd methods" you refer to.
2. Depending upon the age of the system, Windows product key is either embedded on the motherboard or simply stored in a Microsoft database and associated with your hardware characteristics (motherboard, CPU). More information on this page.
Here is how I would install Windows.
blindmelonball
48 Posts
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May 26th, 2023 16:00
I am referring to the 2nd and 3rd method in the link I embedded.
blindmelonball
48 Posts
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May 26th, 2023 18:00
Odd that the link I embedded in my original post doesn't take you to the proper site. Here's a screen shoot of what the link should display:
https://postimg.cc/xcSwrdnz
At any rate, I'll check the links you gave me.
TIA
blindmelonball
48 Posts
0
May 27th, 2023 14:00
OK. I looked at your write-up. The two methods you describe are the two methods I'm asking about. What's the difference between just downloading the OS to a flash drive or optical disk, and instead downloading the .iso? Why choose one over the other? Also, if my Dell machine goes belly up, and I have to use another machine to download Windows 11, how does Microsoft know that I have a legitimate copy of Windows 11?