Windows product key-how can I find it-drive formatted! 1

[hotfusion]

O.K.,I should have made a note of it but we learn by our mistakes. I aim to reinstall Windows 98se and have formatted drive C. The problem is I need to enter the product key for the C.D. during the reinstall but have lost the booklet that came with it along with the number. Is there any way I can browse the C.D. on another computer to find it? Or any other ideas as to how I can get round this anybody? Cheers, Andy.

 

[butchrecon]

You need to find your Instruction book. It ususally has the product key on the cover. Other thanthat you may be stuck. You can use someone elses but that goes against MS anti piracy. James Collins
Computer Hardware Engineer
A+, MCP

email: butchrecon@skyenet.net

 

[hotfusion]

The book got lost during a move so that's not an option-this must be a common problem I would have thought, any other suggestions?

 

[butchrecon]

Once you have formatted your HDD there is no way to get the product code for the OS. You can use someone elses code but as I warned befor MS frowns on that and will pursue individual users under their Anti-Piracy rules. Sure there is no way to tell yet. Just dont let anyone give it to you over the forum (do it through email) MY EMAIL addy is below if you "have" any "questions".

I am glad to help figure out your problem. James Collins
Computer Hardware Engineer
A+, MCP

email: butchrecon@skyenet.net

 

[hotfusion]

O.K., I 'understand', thanks for your help. Something I didn't think of in my panic-I did register my copy with Microsoft so they must have a record of it somewhere. I'll try that first.....Cheers,Andy.

 

[butchrecon]

WOW!!! You actually registered your OS???!!! I did not think anyone ever did that. LOL James Collins
Computer Hardware Engineer
A+, MCP

email: butchrecon@skyenet.net

 

[butchrecon]

If you need help just email. ;-) James Collins
Computer Hardware Engineer
A+, MCP

email: butchrecon@skyenet.net

 

[hotfusion]

Rapid responses!!!! Registered? yeah-well I was new to it wasn't I? Thanks for your support, James, I understand the options- everything should run O.K. now I know....Andy.

 

[butchrecon]

MS gave you you #? Now I am really impressed. lol James Collins
Computer Hardware Engineer
A+, MCP

email: butchrecon@skyenet.net

 

[spacekowboy]

i dont believe it.

did ms give u the number themselves?

X-)

 

[DaveGoTech]

Just curious - did you ever contact MS, and since you were the original registered user, they should have gladly given you the product key. Have they? Just a suggestion to users. This is a common problem. Also note that more recent versions have a sticker affixed to the PC with the key. It's a good idea to write this number on the CD or the jewel case.

 

[hotfusion]

Ahh! Confusion! You no understand! Don't get too excited, guys,contacting Microsoft has so far proved impossible, I'll maybe try during their office hours although perhaps it isn't neccessary anymore?........

 

[vinkavich]

As a SysAdm I have many computers to manage. I always write the S/N of the computer and any activation codes in black marker on the face of ALL the CD's and disks and even the manuals that came with the computer. Yes, it takes a few minutes, but it has saved me countless hours and headaches over the years.

 

[hotfusion]

Thanks for all your responses, this is no longer a problem as the more experienced amongst you know, but I will still chase Microsoft-more out of devilment and for a bit of fun than anything else. If I get a positive response from them, I'll post it so you can all see what a really helpful company Microsoft is! Cheers, Andy. (special thanks to you, Jim, for your personal offer to get me out of this)

 

[butchrecon]

Hey No prob. I have 3 copies of Win98 (Instruction books) I no longer use since I use Win2000 Now. James Collins
Computer Hardware Engineer
A+, MCP

email: butchrecon@skyenet.net