[geeks] Windows XP 64bit Licensing?

[nate at portents.com]

> Caveat: I'm not sure where I heard this. It could be bullshit.
>
> Is it true that the Dell (for instance) machines accept a Dell
> Windows CD without requiring a key or activation? I've heard that
> it's one key for all Dell Windows installs. They ship you a box with
> a sticker on it that has "your" key, but the installation that is
> shipped on your hard drive doesn't use that key. If you reload the
> operating system with the Dell-provided Windows disks (for your
> hardware), it won't ask for a key, and it'll use the Dell key. AFAIK,
> this even works if you use a different Dell disc - for instance, if
> you machine ships with XP Home, and you obtain a Dell XP Pro disc, I
> believe that it will not ask for a key. WGA-validated, etc.
>
> Of course, you have to be willing to *buy* a Dell... but, if true, it
> probably applies to other OEMs as well.

It's called System Locked Preinstallation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Locked_Preinstallation

- Nate