On Mon, Feb 4, 2013 at 7:13 AM, Nigel Parker <nigel.par...@ultraframe.co.uk> wrote: > Although the desktops have a bronze sticker on the back with the windows > flag and the words "windows 8" > I cant find a COA sticker with a key anywhere on the machine inside, > outside , top bottom
A unique, unit-specific code is embedded in the firmware (ACPI BIOS). You don't get a Certificate of Authenticity or Product Ley. Microsoft is "encouraging" their large OEMs (like Dell) to do this. Toshiba laptop I just bought is the same way. Keywords: OA 3.0 SLP, OA = OEM Activation, SLP = System Locked Pre-Installation I've seen claims that if the motherboard is replaced, the OEM is supposed to provide a printed card with a new Product Key, to allow the existing install to continue to be used. Haven't confirmed that with a reliable source yet. I don't know what happens if you try to use a "generic" OEM disc to do a "clean install" (i.e., without vendor shovelware) in such cases. -- Ben ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ --- To manage subscriptions click here: http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/ or send an email to listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin
