IBM Aptiva - Windows - Serial Number

[olgaportland]

Hi, I started a new message, because we gave up trying to recover Windows and ended up reformatting the HD. Now that Windows is set up, it wants a serial number. When the number on the disk is entered, we get an "invalid" message. We do not have an actual Windows CD for this computer as the Windows software is embedded in the Aptiva software. Instructions on the disk label say to call IBM and not Microsoft. This model is out of warranty, for call-up service. ARe we out of luck?
Aptiva 17U
Win 98

 

[cdogg]

I used to own an Aptiva with a P-166 CPU. Back then it came with a restore disk (a floppy disk) and a CD. You had to boot with the floppy which prompted for the CD during the restore.

How did you get Windows re-installed? Did you use the Aptiva restore software or did you use a standalone Windows CD? Does it look like it's prompting you for a Windows serial number or an IBM serial number?


~cdogg
[tab]"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources"
[tab][tab]- A. Einstein

 

[Rob2806]

I used to have an Aptiva as well. I am sure there were two recovery discs (blue & Red) and depending on your situation you used one or the other and there a separate Windows 95 Companion disc.

You used one of the recovery discs followed by the companion disc. The number required is on the booklet that came with this disk.

rob2806

 

[olgaportland]

Unfortunately it doesn't work. I also tried the numbers to our desktops Win98, and Win95, as well as the number for the laptopME. I also tried installing two of the other Win versions over the Aptiva Win98, so that I could use their product numbers, but the program is too clever for that - just tells me I cannot update using these versions. The reformatting went perfectly using the Aptiva recovery disk until setup asked for the number. Rob is right. There is a red disk, along with a blue disk, but no floppy. The red is the recovery disk, which is the one I used and the blue contains additional software. There is no Windows book as I have with the other versions, just a book called "Aptiva", which contains instructions for recovery, up to the point where it should mention the serial number and doesn't. There is no Certificate of Authenticity attached to it, as there is with the Windows instruction books from MS. I will have to keep looking for someone who has purchased the same computer and has the original IBM Aptiva PC Software number. Setup appears to require a Windows number, but I think it would be a number particular to Aptiva customers. I'll keep looking and thanks.

 

[Rob2806]

I was given a booklet with mine called "Introducing Microsoft Windows 95" and on the front of it is pasted the certificate of Authenticity. You should have the same somewhere.

Rob

 

[TekTippy4U]

In reference to a recent thread which may help......
type 615-612507 at the top of this page in search box...
choose "thread number" in drop down menu box......
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