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I install quite alot of new computers with Windows as a pre-installed operating system. And I've seen and used a registry-hack in windows that makes Windows ask for the users license code when it boots up.
It has been some time since I last used it, and now I have forgotten it, does anyone know it? I would appreciate if someone could post it here or send it to me? Thanks in advance! :)
Why would you want a hack like that?
because Microsoft is wathing our backs :(
Are these Dell's that come with the pre-installed OS that you're talking about? Don't they come with a valid license?
no, these are different computers... new one's and old one's...
Try X-Setup... It lets you modify almost every aspect of your PC... hope it helps.
I'm confused here, so excuse my first question.
Let me know if I'm correct here, You WANT the PC to ask for a license code when it boots up? Or are you trying to evade that screen?
I want Windows to ask the user to type it in on the first boot...
I believe I can explain what he means.
Often when you purchase a new computer, it comes with an operating system.. Now, some companies don't want to go through the hassle of installing it all, checking the OEM/CD-Key for that specific computer will be and so on..
There is a way to make the setup stop just at the point when you are forced to put the OEM/CD-Key..
I'm not sure whether this is actually a registry hack or just turning off the computer when it gets to that stage of the install (that works, but isn't recommended)...
From the beginning...
I have this computer, no OS installed.
I install and configure the operating system(WIN95,98 or ME).
And when it's all configured, I want to swith on(or off) something which makes Windows ask the user for a valid license key when it boots up the first time.
Have you checked on TechNet for the information?
One item you might want to read is
The Windows 98 Resource Kit
There may be a registry change which can do this, I don't know..
I do believe however, that if you turn off the computer when are asked to enter the License Key, when the computer is turned on again, it will go to that screen again.
If you are installing the OS, so that you enter in a license key to continue with the installation, and you want them to be forced to enter their own License Key when they turn on their computer for the first time, there is a registry setting which holds what the license key is (you see it when you view system under control panel).. I can't remember where it is, I'll have a look... a quick way to find it would be to check your license key, open regedit, and search for that string..
"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/software/microsoft/windows/CurrentVersion" there you can delete the ProductKey.... if i'm right windows will ask for the key when you boot windows next time.