Generic product key?


  1. Posts : 135
    W10 Pro 1909 18363.476
       #1

    Generic product key?


    I am installing an SSD for a friend on a working PC with an old patter drive that is super slow.
    I used a product key finder and got VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM- 9MPGT-3V66T

    product key finder says this is OEM and I need a digital license for activation. This PC is licensed already.
    if I put the SSD in and install the OS will this key work? It seems like it won't.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       #2

    Hello @ChrisPbass,

    ChrisPbass said:
    I am installing an SSD for a friend on a working PC with an old patter drive that is super slow.
    I used a product key finder and got xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx- xxxxx-xxxxx

    Product key finder says this is OEM and I need a digital license for activation. This PC is licensed already.
    If I put the SSD in and install the OS will this key work? It seems like it won't.[/FONT][/COLOR]

    Just for information . . .

     License Types

    MS offers Win 10 Licenses in many channels governed by different rules, but for most users, you can only acquire a License through the OEM [ Original Equipment Manufacturer ] or Retail channel.

    An OEM License refers to the License that a manufacturer installs on new devices. If this is your case, the Product Key is NOT transferable, and you can NOT use it to Activate another installation [ unless you are re-activating a new installation on the same computer ].

    A Retail License refers to the License that you acquire when purchasing a copy of Win 10 from your local store or an online retailer [ such as from MS or Amazon for example ]. If you have a Win 10 Retail License, you CAN transfer the Product Key to another computer, as long as you DEACTIVATE the Product Key on the other computer.

    A Volume License is designed for large Businesses, Education, and Government. Usually, a Volume License allows organizations to use one master Product Key to Activate ANY installation of Win 10. Although you can use this License multiple times on different computers, you can NOT transfer it with the device when the system ownership changes, and you are NOT allowed to use the License to Activate devices that are NOT part of the Organization.

    I hope this helps.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 135
    W10 Pro 1909 18363.476
    Thread Starter
       #3

    OK. ... to be clear...i am installing on the same computer, just a new HD. There will be no problem?

    Can you point me to where can I get the ISO? not the media creation tool. every time I do this it seems like a struggle to find digitalriver EDIT: OK, it seems like the media creation tool will let me d/l the ISO. I have much better success with rufus vs the MS tool.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       #4

    Hello @ChrisPbass,

    ChrisPbass said:
    Can you point me to where can I get the ISO? not the media creation tool. every time I do this it seems like a struggle to find digitalriver.

    EDIT: OK, it seems like the media creation tool will let me d/l the ISO. I have much better success with rufus vs the MS tool.

    ISO Resources - Including MS Servers:

    > Download Universal Windows Downloader v0.2 - MajorGeeks
    > Download UUP Dump files from Windows Update servers
    > Download Windows 10 Disc Image [ ISO File ]
    > Media Creation Tool & ISO Downloader - Rufus
    > Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool 8.44 - MajorGeeks
    > TechBench by WZT - Includes OLDER Windows 10 ISO's - RECOMMENDED
    > Universal Windows Downloader [ Portable ] - MajorGeeks
    > Windows 10 ISO & Office ISO Download Tool - Heidoc
    > Windows ISO - Windows 10 Download Database

    Create USB:

    > How to Create Bootable USB Installer if install.wim is Greater than 4GB
    > How to Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10 from
    > How to Manually Create Bootable Windows 10 USB for Legacy BIOS and UEFI in Command Prompt

    Create a Bootable USB/DVD [ media ] using Rufus for example => Rufus.

    I hope this helps.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 31,474
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #5

    ChrisPbass said:
    OK. ... to be clear...i am installing on the same computer, just a new HD. There will be no problem?

    The PC already has a digital licence for Windows 10 linked to its hardware ID and stored on the Microsoft activation servers. The HDD plays no part in this hardware ID.

    When doing a clean install, install the same edition it had before (Home or Pro) and if asked for a key click 'I don't have one'. It will install and use the appropriate generic key. As soon as it can contact the activation servers it will activate from the existing digital licence.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 5,899
    Win 11 Pro (x64) 22H2
       #6

    ChrisPbass said:
    I am installing an SSD for a friend on a working PC with an old patter drive that is super slow.
    I used a product key finder and got [FONT="]VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM- 9MPGT-3V66T

    product key finder says this is OEM and I need a digital license for activation. This PC is licensed already.
    if I put the SSD in and install the OS will this key work? It seems like it won't.[/FONT]
    In simpler terms if your friend uses a Microsoft Account and Windows 10 says activated with a digital license, all you need to do is reinstall the OS and log into the account when the OS finishes the install.

    To see if Windows is using a digital license go to Settings, Update & Security. In the left pane click "Activation", and it will show you the OS installed, and whether a license is linked to the account. If it is, just do a clean install of the OS using this tutorial - Clean Install Windows 10

    There also the option of cloning the old drive to to the new drive. In fact, I'd suggest cloning as it should eliminate the need to reinstall anything (including perhaps needing to reactivate the license (maybe)).

    Hope this clarifies :)
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #7

    sygnus21 said:
    In simpler terms if your friend uses a Microsoft Account and Windows 10 says activated with a digital license, all you need to do is reinstall the OS and log into the account when the OS finishes the install.

    To see if Windows is using a digital license go to Settings, Update & Security. In the left pane click "Activation", and it will show you the OS installed, and whether a license is linked to the account. If it is, just do a clean install of the OS using this tutorial - Clean Install Windows 10

    There also the option of cloning the old drive to to the new drive. In fact, I'd suggest cloning as it should eliminate the need to reinstall anything (including perhaps needing to reactivate the license (maybe)).

    Hope this clarifies :)
    A Microsoft Account has nothing to do with it. The digital license for Windows 10 is stored on Microosft Activation servers based on a unique hardware ID of the computer determined 99% by the motherboard (make/model/serial #). Anytime you clean install the same edition of Windows 10 on the same computer, the unique hardware ID of the computer is sent to Microsoft Activation servers (need to be connected to the internet). If a match is found on Microsoft's server, and the edition of Windows 10 matches, the digital license is returned to activate Windows. The Microsoft Account has nothing to do with this process. It will occur no matter who logs into the computer even with just a local account. Additionally, there is nothing the user can do to remove the digital license for Windows 10 stored for that computer at Microsoft.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 5,899
    Win 11 Pro (x64) 22H2
       #8

    As I noted before the only time you say anything to me is to argue. And you're not saying anything I don't understand. I simply put it in simple terms. Been there, done that quite a few times. Even linked to Brink's tutorial.

    Movin on.
      My Computers


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:53.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums