Let me know if this makes sense or if you have any further questions. Please note that this initiative was done via Microsoft working with all OEMs to send out machines with (at least ones with Win 8 OEM O/S) this method so auditors should be well aware of the situation with Win 8 OEM licensing. If further proof is need, your Dell Account Team (Brian and I) can run an OEM report to list all the systems that was purchased with a valid OEM license. The idea behind this is to enable “easier” reinstallation of the software so that no license key will be needed to record or enter upon reinstallation of the OS as the installer will automatically populate that into the reinstallation sequence from what it reads in the BIOS reducing the risk of people losing the sticker (due to wear and/or tear) that we are accustomed to seeing attached on the systems themselves.Īs far as reporting goes for audits, our MS rep says that each system will come with a Microsoft Windows sticker to identify that the system came with a legitimate Win 8 OEM license. ' I spoke with our Microsoft OEM rep about your situation and have confirmed that the MS license keys are indeed now imbedded within the BIOS of the system.