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Should the Windows OEM Number be Used to Restore My PXI or VXI Controller?

Primary Software: Driver Software>>NI-VXI/VISA
Primary Software Version: 3.2
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: N/A
Hardware: VXI/VME/MXI>>VXI Controllers

Problem:
When restoring the Operating System on my PXI or VXI controller, certain references mention that I should make note and save the Windows OEM number of the currently installed system. During the restoring process, it appears that a Product Key is needed. What is the difference between a Windows OEM number and a Product Key? Which is required for the install process to complete?

Solution:

OEM Number

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. If the operating system was provided with the hardware, then it is considered to be an OEM version of the operating system. When an OEM version is used on a computer, there is an associated OEM number which links that copy of the operating system to the manufacturer. This OEM number will be used when the product is registered by the customer.

Under most operating systems, the OEM number is displayed in the "Registered to" section of the System properties. You can access System properties by right-clicking on My Computer then selecting Properties.

The standard format for OEM numbers is as follows:

All Windows Operating Systems xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx


Product Key

The Product Key is a code used to enable the install process of the operating system and is provided with the documentation of the operating system. For PXI and VXI, the product key is also found on a Windows sticker that is affixed to the Controller or Chassis of the system. The Key may or may not match the OEM number, depending on the operating system used. Windows NT uses the OEM number for software installation while all other Windows versions use a unique Product Key.

The standard format for Product keys is as follows:

Windows 9x, 2000, XP xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
Windows NT xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx


Therefore, make note of your Windows OEM number, as it is the proof of license for that particular OEM install of the operating system. If using Windows NT, it will also be used when reinstalling or restoring the Operating System. Make note of and use the Product Key provided with the software to perform a restore on all other Windows operating systems.

Related Links: KnowledgeBase 1KBB15G4: How Do I Restore the Operating System on a VXI or PXI Embedded Controller?
Developer Zone Tutorial: Restoring or Changing the Operating System in a PXI-8171 Series Embedded Controller

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Report Date: 07/18/2003
Last Updated: 08/04/2007
Document ID: 2ZHGIH2P

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