Solved Two different product keys for Vista

I have a computer I bought factory refurbished from a popular on-line retailer. I have a sticker on the side of the case with the product key on it. It is the official sticker with 5 groups of 5 letters and numbers. However, I ran SIW to check the numbers and they are different! What if I ever need this key? I guess the one SIW gives me is right but I don't know how to proceed. Have you heard of this? Is the one inside Windows from SIW correct? Thanks for any advice.

Here's what Brink posted on his tutorial. I followed these directions to check product key. It's not the product ID in control panel>system....that would be my first thought.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/85023-product-key-number.html

I also ran this one and got the same thing as SIW gave me.
http://lifehacker.com/software/windows/reveal-microsoft-product-keys-114576.php

Hi Nate,

That is normal.

The one on the sticker is the license you bought.

The manufacturer hasn't got time to install Vista on each machine individually and type in all the product keys.

They do one install on a master hard drive including all the oem proprietary programs , then copy it on to huge numbers of drives which go into the machines.

That master image has a special product key and activation code , and works on all those machines - it is , if you like an "extra" key.

The "recovery"partition and dvd's also contain that key and code.

If you restore the image from the recovery media, it is already activated.

If you wish to use a proper install dvd - you can use the key from the drive - but only if you use the activation code as well.

Otherwise you need to use the key from the sticker for that.

Hope it helps

Hello Nate,

When you buy a PC with windows pre installed with an OEM copy of windows the install will be pre-activated, this will use a master key which enables the manufacturer to, legally, activate many computers automatically without having the individually enter a code for each machine.

The sticker affixed to the case contains an individual key which should be used if it is ever needed to re-install and activate manually.

You can if you wish note the actual installed key but if you ever have to re-activate after re-install you will need to enter the key on the sticker.

Hope this clears things up

OK SIW you beat me to it :D

You guys are full of knowledge. I thought I had a real problem. So if I ever need to re-install, I will need the key on the sticker on the box and this has nothing to do with being factory refurbished. Thanks to both of you. I am surprised they don't tell you this stuff......I guess if it's the key on the machine....you would never need to know. Thanks again. Have a great night.

P.S. Barman...all of my ancestors are from Wales, UK and I hope to visit there one day soon. Maybe I'll end up at the same bar as you. haha Thanks.

You're welcome .

Yes the ways of the manufacturers do seem strange.