You cannot install Dell Windows Vista OEM in a VM. The VM as a virtual non-Dell BIOS and will reject Dell OEM SLP activation prompting for purchase of a new Windows key. Essentially the VM guest despite being installed on a Dell host is classified as a new computer i.e. the virtual computer is not classified as a Dell system. Its not something I agree with and I think Microsoft should make licensing for VMs much easier.
I purchased a DELL Vostro 1520 in 2009.  I recently installed Linux on it and would like to reinstall Vista and my Win7 upgrade in a VM.  The problem is that my Windows Product Key has worn off on the bottom of my laptop.  I have my Win7 upgrade product key but I can't use that disk to install Win7 without first installing Vista.  How do I go about getting my key.
Windows Vista on Vostro 1520