Well, if you have a real Dell with a real valid set-up Dell is doing something a bit interesting. They are putting the basic details somewhere on the motherboard or bios because when you re-install a fairly new Dell, it already knows who you are. You don't have to enter any install key. So for example I just bought three Dells recently. I don't have to keep the keys and discs separate and together with each machine. Heck if I lost a OS disc for anyone of them I can simply use another disc from either of the other two.
First things first, Welcome Geoffrey to AC. Sounds like you will be very helpful 'round here on the technical end.
Paul, maybe the reason you can do what you say you can do is that when you activate an OS, Microsoft is looking at your CD key and comparing it with your hardware setup. There are even examples of what it will take to lose that setup, i.e. changing your hardware. So, if you have a nVida 8500 and a 3COM NIC card, etc., you will probably be OK. But, with time, you may change things, so my recommendation is to write down the MAC address on each disc or cover along with the activation code from the side of the computer. Eventually, it will catch up with you. ALL are computers are built identically, and I know that Adobe knows -- trust me.
OEM is OEM and Full retail is full retail period. Microsoft has come along in steps. First, activation, then Genuine Authenticity where they WILL shut down your program via the Internet. And, they like to do it one step at a time. I watched it. The key thing is you don't get something for nothing. You have a better chance with the Academic version if you have nursing and medical students.
Having said that, if anyone has Vista Upgrade and they wish to install it as a full product with a reformmated hard disk, I can tell them how to do it. Trust me, so can Adam. We have done it in our sleep. It is the coolest workaround of AlL time, and Microsoft knows about the loophole and, so far, have done nothing to combat it.
