Yes, a Windows image can locate the embedded PK.

MatthewW2005
Member

01-10-2023, 11:21 PM

I placed the laptop on eBay for school and released it this weekend. I need to save time and create an image of Windows in VirtualBox. All I have to do is clone the VHD to the SSD so my programs are ready, then install the drivers. I want the laptop to be up and running as soon as it arrives. My issue is that the Windows product key is built into the BIOS. Usually the setup finds the key and activates Windows automatically. I’m wondering: when I copy an image from VirtualBox to the SSD and start the laptop, will it detect the key and activate Windows on its own, or will only the setup do that? I need this clarity before I spend time installing programs in a VM.

MatthewW2005

01-10-2023, 11:21 PM #1

ethanshocked
Junior Member

01-11-2023, 04:12 PM

It seems you're unsure if a VM requires a distinct activation key. Could you clarify?

ethanshocked

01-11-2023, 04:12 PM #2

It seems you're unsure if a VM requires a distinct activation key. Could you clarify?

Trentqn
Member

150

01-12-2023, 08:19 AM

You don’t need to turn it on in the VM. Instead, set it up so the VM has no permissions, then transfer it to the laptop. After that, you can open Windows there.

Trentqn

01-12-2023, 08:19 AM #3

You don’t need to turn it on in the VM. Instead, set it up so the VM has no permissions, then transfer it to the laptop. After that, you can open Windows there.

LePoteDuQuebec
Member

181

01-12-2023, 09:25 AM

Maybe it’s better to start fresh with a clean setup instead.

LePoteDuQuebec

01-12-2023, 09:25 AM #4

Maybe it’s better to start fresh with a clean setup instead.

TomTMR_NL
Junior Member

01-12-2023, 09:59 AM

I won’t have time to wait until the laptop arrives before using it for school. I planned to do a fresh installation on a VM and then transfer the image to the laptop. This has been done before, but I’ve never used a BIOS embedded PK before.

TomTMR_NL

01-12-2023, 09:59 AM #5

unreformed_kys
Junior Member

01-12-2023, 11:02 AM

To be truthful, this seems to require additional effort. However, based on what I understand, it should function properly.

unreformed_kys

01-12-2023, 11:02 AM #6

To be truthful, this seems to require additional effort. However, based on what I understand, it should function properly.

hdosx
Junior Member

01-14-2023, 04:35 AM

Thank you for your assistance. I understand you're focused on getting your laptop operational quickly. Once it's working, I'll share my experience to assist others.

hdosx

01-14-2023, 04:35 AM #7

Thank you for your assistance. I understand you're focused on getting your laptop operational quickly. Once it's working, I'll share my experience to assist others.