Entering OEM Product Key Information When Running Msbatch.inf (263281)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95 OEM Service Release 2.1
  • Microsoft Windows 95 OEM Service Release 2.5
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q263281

SUMMARY

This article discusses how to specify Product Key information when you run Msbatch.inf to automate Windows 95 and Windows 98 Setup, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) versions of Windows 95 and Windows 98 Setup.

MORE INFORMATION

When you use Msbatch.inf to automate Windows 95 or 98 Setup, you are able to specify the Product Key of the computer. If you are running a version of Msbatch.inf that contains the string that enables you to enter the Product Key, Setup stops, and you are prompted to type in the Product Key.

If you run an OEM version of Windows 95 or Windows 98 (an OEM Windows CD-ROM cover includes the following note: "For distribution only with a new PC"), when you run Msbatch.inf and enter the OEM Product Key, the following behavior occurs:
  • In OEM Windows 95: Setup is stopped and a message is displayed that indicates that the Product Key is incorrect. You must enter the Product Key again. When you enter the Product Key (even when this is the same Product Key), Setup continues.
  • In OEM Windows 98: Setup is stopped, and when you click Next to accept the Product Key that has been entered by Msbatch.inf, Setup continues.
This is behavior is by design and cannot be changed.

OEM Windows CD-ROMs are distributed by companies that sell their own PCs with Windows already pre-installed. Every computer should have a unique Product Identification (ID) number. OEM computers use the OPK (OEM Production Kit), not Msbatch.inf, to initiate multiple unattended installations of Windows.

For more information about OEMs, or becoming an OEM, go the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/15/2006
Keywords:kbdocfix kbinfo KB263281
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