Windows Vista What Vista key is the correct one

I recently purchased a new Notebook PC which came with VISTA BUSINESS pre-installed. There is a Microsoft sticker on the bottom of the case which has on it amongst other things Product Key: BPHT8- nnnnn - nnnnn - nnnnn - nnnnn (I have not entered the exact values for obvious reasons).

I have a utility named Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v2.0.1 (http://www.magicaljellybean.com/ which is a freeware open source utility that retrieves your Product Key (cd key).

Strange thing is that while it correctly displays the key for my M/S Office installation (same as what came with the product and what I used to install it) the key displayed for Windows VISTA is different from that printed on the sticker.

I am wondering why. Any ideas?

 

Hi, is that the COA on the bottom? If it has OEM Vista installed I think there is a difference between COA and Product Key.

For example - Dell require you to enter the information to Activate on line.

Someone more knowledgeable will probably know the full score. Neil.

 

Thanks for your replies.
The notebook is a IBM LENOVA.
Not sure if the sticker is a COA but I imagine that it is.
On it is -
Proof of License
Certificate of Authenticity
Microsoft
Windows Vista Business w/DVDPk OEMAct

So it is OEM but is the sticker a COA?

Another strange thing is that apart from the fact that it has a hidden partition containing files to restore the notebook to factory settings it also came with a number of CDs (not DVDs) and on them appears to be files to restore Windows XP Pro which I found particularly strange as it came with Vista pre-installed.

 

What Magical Jelly Bean showed was the factory install COA. If you use the original recovery media or partition it will automatically use this COA and there will be no need for activation. The sticker COA on the back can be used for a reinstall with a OEM Vista Business DVD and activation will be required.

If this was a factory install of Vista you should have received the proper recovery CDs/DVD.

What model Lenovo laptop is it plus what is the product type (small sticker on the back using a letter/number sequence such as 2376-UN3)?

 

It is a Lenova X61

The sticker on the back shows -

TYPE 7676-A12 S/N LV-038NP 08/03

I wondered why recover CD's are for XP PRO and not Vista even though it has a COA sticker for Vista Business and there is a hidden partition containing files for a factory reset which I assume also contains files for a re-install of Vista.

I purchased the notebook online which was advertised as being NEW and also came with a proper invoice showing GST (similar to VAT) and the company and registered ABN (Aust Business Name) on the invoice which does exist BUT the box had been opened and also the plastic bag containing the notebook had been opened but all other packets (for literature, cables, CDs etc) had not been opened AND the notebook had obviously been switched on as all the files had been installed (I thought that when files are in a hidden partition that they are only installed (automatically) when the notebook is first switched on).

John

 

That model number shows that Windows Vista Business was the original OS. They either sent you the wrong recovery CDs or they could be used to downgrade the install. I would see if you can create Vista recovery DVD(s) using Rescue and Recovery. You will need an external CD/DVD burner.

It may be easier to just order the recovery CD/DVDs.

Recovery CD and DVD part numbers - ThinkPad X61, X61s

 

Thanks Whiskeyman,

I have Easeus Partition Master Home Edition which I have already used to view the contents of the hidden partition and I will make a copy of it but probably to a USB memory stick which I can then move to my desktop to burn a DVD.

Do I assume correctly that the hidden partition will contain not only Vista Business file for instal but also all the other Lenova support programs?

Do I also assume correctly that I can recover my notebook either from the hidden partition OR from the USB memory stick (if I amend the boot sequence in the BIOS).
What I am thinking here is that if I replace the existing hard drive with a larger and faster (7200rpm) drive that I could boot up and install the system using the USB memory stick and later maybe create a hidden partition and copy the contents of the USB memory stick to it so that I end up with the notebook exactly the same as what it started as but with a larger/faster hdd?
I have built a few desktop pcs (hardware and operating systems) in the past but never had a notebook and never seen hidden partitions before.

Thanks

 

With a Thinkpad you need to use Rescue and Recovery.

How to Recover a ThinkPad X61

I do not believe you can copy the recovery partition to a USB drive and recover from it.

For information on repairing and maintaining my Thinkpads I use the following site.

Thinkpads.com

 

Thanks.

I had already read How to Recover a ThinkPad X61 but that is only using data on the hidden partition.

What then happens if the existing hdd dies?

I guess if the hdd dies you use the recovery CDs. I will have to see if I can get a copy of the Vista recovery CDs (or DVD) since the ones I received only have XP PRO on them.

I will have a look at Thinkpads.com

 

Good question and the question everyone that purchases a laptop without a system reinstallation disk should ask.

See what is possible using your backup system. If you can make a backup-clone of the recovery partition, you could put it onto a new HDD.

Warranties from the HDD manufacturers are now 5 years, but the warranty you will get on the computer is 1 year. I expect if the drive fails within 1 year, Levovo will replace the HDD and give you the reinstallation CD/DVD disks. After that 1 year period you might need to get a replacement drive from the HDD manufacturer and Lenovo would charge you for (re)installation disks.

Matt

 

Thanks Matt,

I do have recovery Cds but the strange thing is that they are for Windows XP Pro (Lenovo Rescue and Recovery) not Vista which is on the notebook.

I will endeavor to make a clone of the hidden partition and store on DVD.

I also take your point that there will be a warranty on the notebook and hdd but if the failure happens after that I will need to try and install a new hdd and system myself.