Preserving OEM Activation??

Im having a hard time understanding what the below artical is stating?

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/oempreac.mspx

Can you use this key with an image from a dell oem machine and have no activation? If you use this key will your windows go to reduced functionality mode

Not really sure the purpose of this?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

HI MIKE.
As long as you are re-installing XP on the same machine the CD disk came with there are no problems. The Activation code is tied to the machine, I believe through the BIOS
I have done several clean installs on my Dell with no problems, nor was I asked for Activation code.
If your asking about recovering from a backup there is no problem, as long as it is the original machine.

Becky

 

I am wondering, If I make a perfect machine on a dell, sysprep the machine and use the xp key that microsoft told to use to preserve activation. Distribute this sysprep'd image to other dells, ( All of them have an oem key on the case ), will this work? I've tried it on a few machines, and when I go to Activation in Start Program Accesorries, it says the computer has already been avtivated. Anyone try this?

 

Use any utility available to read the current activation key in your installation of Windows XP. This will most likely not be the key on the sticker you find on the bottom of the machine, but it will be a "master key" that Dell uses when they setup their machines. Prepare a sysprep.inf file to include this key and then run SYSPREP for Windows XP. You should check the "Use Mini-Setup" checkbox and then click the "Reseal" button.
If you do not use the "Dell" key in sysprep.inf and if you do not enter that key during mini-setup and instead you enter the key from the sticker you may have to activate. I have seen this both ways.
As for the legalities of using the "Dell" key while setting up an image for Dell machines that already have a Windows XP COA, I suppose that there could start a lengthy discussion.