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Hi,
I've lost my disc and key but urgently needed a reinstall of windows. I
wrote down the product ID which I thought would help me, and installed vista
(premium) from another disc. However, I have no key and so I now have no way
of activating it even though I possess a valid product ID.
Is there anything I can do or have I just got to spend money on another copy
of Vista?
Thanks.
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Richard wrote:
[Quoted Text] > Hi,
>
> I've lost my disc and key but urgently needed a reinstall of windows. I
> wrote down the product ID which I thought would help me, and installed
> vista (premium) from another disc. However, I have no key and so I now
> have no way of activating it even though I possess a valid product ID.
>
> Is there anything I can do or have I just got to spend money on another
> copy of Vista?
Since you already installed Vista, none of the free Product Key finders will
help you. The Product ID is useless in this case; you need the Product
*Key*.
If you have lost your XP product Key, the best option is to call Microsoft.
Call on Microsoft Licensing Fulfillment Center Toll Free Number (800)
248-0655 Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Pacific time.
Contact Microsoft page -
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=csscontactfind
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware -
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246
Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ
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Richard wrote:
[Quoted Text] > Hi,
>
> I've lost my disc and key but urgently needed a reinstall of windows. I
> wrote down the product ID which I thought would help me, and installed vista
> (premium) from another disc. However, I have no key and so I now have no way
> of activating it even though I possess a valid product ID.
>
The Product *ID* is created during the installation process and is
prominently displayed on the opening panel window resulting from
right-clicking the Computer icon and selecting "Properties" from the
context menu. It is used to obtain/qualify for technical support
(limited though that may be) from Microsoft; it is of no use during the
installation process.
> Is there anything I can do or have I just got to spend money on another copy
> of Vista?
>
> Thanks.
The Product *Key* is used to "prove" ownership of a legitimate
license and is required to perform the installation, and is either
stored on the DVD packaging on a sticker that says "Do not lose this
number," or is on a label affixed to an OEM computer.
If you've lost both the DVD and the Product Key, you've essentially
lost your license to use Windows. Like any other type of property that
you've lost, you'll have to replace it at your own cost, unless you had
it insured.
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
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You can use the utility in the following link to recover your product key
from your system:
http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
"Richard" <Richard[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0CEEDA32-1307-4FF1-9475-50E84F03E8CE[ at ]microsoft.com...
[Quoted Text] > Hi,
>
> I've lost my disc and key but urgently needed a reinstall of windows. I
> wrote down the product ID which I thought would help me, and installed
> vista
> (premium) from another disc. However, I have no key and so I now have no
> way
> of activating it even though I possess a valid product ID.
>
> Is there anything I can do or have I just got to spend money on another
> copy
> of Vista?
>
> Thanks.
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Hello Richard,
If your currently installed Vista has been activated with your product
key number (not the same as product ID), then you can use the program in
this tutorial to see what your product key number is.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/85023-product-key-number.html
If your Vista is a retail copy, then you can then make a copy of the
other retail Vista installation DVD borrowed from a friend to use to
install Vista with your product key number. If you have a OEM Vista
computer, then this will not work. You will need to contact the OEM (ex:
HP), or visit their website, instead for a replacement Vista recovery
CD/DVD to use with your product key number.
Hope this helps,
Shawn
Richard;858745 Wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I've lost my disc and key but urgently needed a reinstall of windows. I
> wrote down the product ID which I thought would help me, and installed
> vista
> (premium) from another disc. However, I have no key and so I now have
> no way
> of activating it even though I possess a valid product ID.
>
> Is there anything I can do or have I just got to spend money on another
> copy
> of Vista?
>
> Thanks.
--
Brink
*There are no dumb questions, just the people that do not ask
them.*
'*VISTA FORUMS*' (http://www.vistax64.com)
*Please post feedback to help others.*
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On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:35:41 -0700, "Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com>
wrote:
[Quoted Text] >You can use the utility in the following link to recover your product key
>from your system:
Did you happen to notice (NO!) that the OP has overwritten the
original installation with a new one... making that retrieval freaking
impossible??
>
>http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
>"Richard" <Richard[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>news:0CEEDA32-1307-4FF1-9475-50E84F03E8CE[ at ]microsoft.com...
>> Hi,
>>
>> I've lost my disc and key but urgently needed a reinstall of windows. I
>> wrote down the product ID which I thought would help me, and installed
>> vista
>> (premium) from another disc. However, I have no key and so I now have no
>> way
>> of activating it even though I possess a valid product ID.
>>
>> Is there anything I can do or have I just got to spend money on another
>> copy
>> of Vista?
>>
>> Thanks.
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No, Paul, I didn't notice that he had already wiped out his system. In any
case I hope that others reading this thread will now know that the Product
Key is recoverable from an intact system
"Paul Montgomery" <i.m.nonnymous[ at ]NOSPAMgmail.com> wrote in message
news:tsk4f4d69erfd8pk33mjipefn8o23i7qr0[ at ]4ax.com...
[Quoted Text] > On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:35:41 -0700, "Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> > wrote: > >>You can use the utility in the following link to recover your product key >>from your system: > > Did you happen to notice (NO!) that the OP has overwritten the > original installation with a new one... making that retrieval freaking > impossible?? > > >> >> http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/>>"Richard" <Richard[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >>news:0CEEDA32-1307-4FF1-9475-50E84F03E8CE[ at ]microsoft.com... >>> Hi, >>> >>> I've lost my disc and key but urgently needed a reinstall of windows. I >>> wrote down the product ID which I thought would help me, and installed >>> vista >>> (premium) from another disc. However, I have no key and so I now have no >>> way >>> of activating it even though I possess a valid product ID. >>> >>> Is there anything I can do or have I just got to spend money on another >>> copy >>> of Vista? >>> >>> Thanks.
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"Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> wrote in message
news:eX3g4rKLJHA.4600[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] > No, Paul, I didn't notice that he had already wiped out his system. In > any case I hope that others reading this thread will now know that the > Product Key is recoverable from an intact system > "Paul Montgomery" <i.m.nonnymous[ at ]NOSPAMgmail.com> wrote in message > news:tsk4f4d69erfd8pk33mjipefn8o23i7qr0[ at ]4ax.com... >> On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:35:41 -0700, "Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> >> wrote: >> >>>You can use the utility in the following link to recover your product key >>>from your system: >> >> Did you happen to notice (NO!) that the OP has overwritten the >> original installation with a new one... making that retrieval freaking >> impossible?? >> >> >>> >>> http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/>>>"Richard" <Richard[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >>>news:0CEEDA32-1307-4FF1-9475-50E84F03E8CE[ at ]microsoft.com... >>>> Hi, >>>> >>>> I've lost my disc and key but urgently needed a reinstall of windows. I >>>> wrote down the product ID which I thought would help me, and installed >>>> vista >>>> (premium) from another disc. However, I have no key and so I now have >>>> no >>>> way >>>> of activating it even though I possess a valid product ID. >>>> >>>> Is there anything I can do or have I just got to spend money on another >>>> copy >>>> of Vista? >>>> >>>> Thanks. >
And that is not always correct either. If the computer comes from a major
manufacturer like Dell, Gateway, etc. the key on the factory installation is
NOT the key that is needed for the reinstallation from the Windows CD/DVD or
recovery partition. The proper key will be provided on a sticker located on
the computer (normally either on the bottom of a laptop or the back plate of
a desktop or within the documentation.)
When these major manufacturers create the hard drive it is from a master
copy with a master key provided by Microsoft and there may be hundreds or
thousands of computers with the same key. If that key is used to attempt to
activate a reinstall it will fail.
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"Richard" <Richard[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0CEEDA32-1307-4FF1-9475-50E84F03E8CE[ at ]microsoft.com...
[Quoted Text] > Hi,
>
> I've lost my disc and key but urgently needed a reinstall of windows. I
> wrote down the product ID which I thought would help me, and installed
> vista
> (premium) from another disc. However, I have no key and so I now have no
> way
> of activating it even though I possess a valid product ID.
>
> Is there anything I can do or have I just got to spend money on another
> copy
> of Vista?
>
> Thanks.
Look on the bottom of a laptop or the back plate of a desktop computer for a
sticker for the version of XP or Vista that was originally installed on your
computer. Most manufacturers place the key in that location. If the
operating system was preinstalled on the computer contact the computer
manufacturer for a possible replacement CD/Key. Now, if this was a retail
version purchased after the computer was purchased you will need to follow
the link that Malke gave you for the key and CD.
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It is correct it is the key that was used for the current installation and
if the current installation is from an OEM manufacturer then of course then
it would be the same as that is on on the sticker on the computer itself in
which the user would not have lost/."LVTravel" <noone[ at ]nothere.com> wrote in
message news:%236cK0mMLJHA.1012[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] > > > "Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> wrote in message > news:eX3g4rKLJHA.4600[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... >> No, Paul, I didn't notice that he had already wiped out his system. In >> any case I hope that others reading this thread will now know that the >> Product Key is recoverable from an intact system >> "Paul Montgomery" <i.m.nonnymous[ at ]NOSPAMgmail.com> wrote in message >> news:tsk4f4d69erfd8pk33mjipefn8o23i7qr0[ at ]4ax.com... >>> On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:35:41 -0700, "Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>>>You can use the utility in the following link to recover your product >>>>key >>>>from your system: >>> >>> Did you happen to notice (NO!) that the OP has overwritten the >>> original installation with a new one... making that retrieval freaking >>> impossible?? >>> >>> >>>> >>>> http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/>>>>"Richard" <Richard[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >>>>news:0CEEDA32-1307-4FF1-9475-50E84F03E8CE[ at ]microsoft.com... >>>>> Hi, >>>>> >>>>> I've lost my disc and key but urgently needed a reinstall of windows. >>>>> I >>>>> wrote down the product ID which I thought would help me, and installed >>>>> vista >>>>> (premium) from another disc. However, I have no key and so I now have >>>>> no >>>>> way >>>>> of activating it even though I possess a valid product ID. >>>>> >>>>> Is there anything I can do or have I just got to spend money on >>>>> another >>>>> copy >>>>> of Vista? >>>>> >>>>> Thanks. >> > > > And that is not always correct either. If the computer comes from a major > manufacturer like Dell, Gateway, etc. the key on the factory installation > is NOT the key that is needed for the reinstallation from the Windows > CD/DVD or recovery partition. The proper key will be provided on a > sticker located on the computer (normally either on the bottom of a laptop > or the back plate of a desktop or within the documentation.) > > When these major manufacturers create the hard drive it is from a master > copy with a master key provided by Microsoft and there may be hundreds or > thousands of computers with the same key. If that key is used to attempt > to activate a reinstall it will fail. >
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"Bruce Chambers" <bchambers[ at ]cable0ne.n3t> wrote in message
news:OL9Dy3HLJHA.1156[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] >
> The Product *Key* is used to "prove" ownership of a legitimate license
> and is required to perform the installation, and is either stored on the
> DVD packaging on a sticker that says "Do not lose this number," or is on a
> label affixed to an OEM computer.
>
> If you've lost both the DVD and the Product Key, you've essentially lost
> your license to use Windows. Like any other type of property that you've
> lost, you'll have to replace it at your own cost, unless you had it
> insured.
If you have have a computer you really need a copy of Belarc Advisor
www.belarc.com which is free. It performs an analysis of your computer and
shows updates, software installed, hardware and most important in this case
a list of licensed software INCLUDING keys.
I'm surprised this is not general knowledge.
Regards,
Tex Houston
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"Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> wrote in message
news:OXOkTINLJHA.4996[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] > It is correct it is the key that was used for the current installation and
> if the current installation is from an OEM manufacturer then of course
> then it would be the same as that is on on the sticker on the computer
> itself in which the user would not have lost
Huh? You kind of lost me in that last post!
What I said below is the key on the bottom or rear of a computer will NOT be
the same key that a key finder program discloses if the computer is made by
a major manufacturer. They will be different and the one found by the key
finder program will NOT activate the reinstall of the operating system in
that situation.
/SNIP>>
>> And that is not always correct either. If the computer comes from a
>> major manufacturer like Dell, Gateway, etc. the key on the factory
>> installation is NOT the key that is needed for the reinstallation from
>> the Windows CD/DVD or recovery partition. The proper key will be
>> provided on a sticker located on the computer (normally either on the
>> bottom of a laptop or the back plate of a desktop or within the
>> documentation.)
>>
>> When these major manufacturers create the hard drive it is from a master
>> copy with a master key provided by Microsoft and there may be hundreds or
>> thousands of computers with the same key. If that key is used to attempt
>> to activate a reinstall it will fail.
>>
>
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On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:26:36 -0600, "Tex Houston"
<texhouston[ at ]pcisys.net> wrote:
[Quoted Text] >
>"Bruce Chambers" <bchambers[ at ]cable0ne.n3t> wrote in message
>news:OL9Dy3HLJHA.1156[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>
>> The Product *Key* is used to "prove" ownership of a legitimate license
>> and is required to perform the installation, and is either stored on the
>> DVD packaging on a sticker that says "Do not lose this number," or is on a
>> label affixed to an OEM computer.
>>
>> If you've lost both the DVD and the Product Key, you've essentially lost
>> your license to use Windows. Like any other type of property that you've
>> lost, you'll have to replace it at your own cost, unless you had it
>> insured.
>
>
>If you have have a computer you really need a copy of Belarc Advisor
>www.belarc.com which is free. It performs an analysis of your computer and
>shows updates, software installed, hardware and most important in this case
>a list of licensed software INCLUDING keys.
Yo! Moron! The person having the problem wiped out the original
install by installing a new copy WITHOUT having a good key.
>I'm surprised this is not general knowledge.
I'm surprised you can't read. It's a very simple skill.
>Regards,
>
>Tex Houston
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"Paul Montgomery" <i.m.nonnymous[ at ]NOSPAMgmail.com> wrote in message
news:2fm5f4lb62hgjf414qn4bdjlcochgrk7bu[ at ]4ax.com...
[Quoted Text] > Yo! Moron! The person having the problem wiped out the original
> install by installing a new copy WITHOUT having a good key.
>
>>I'm surprised this is not general knowledge.
>
> I'm surprised you can't read. It's a very simple skill.
>
>>Regards,
>>>>Tex Houston
Calling names won't help. I'm just suggesting that Belarc Advisory will
help prevent lost keys from being a problem in reinstallation. I'm sorry
you don't understand that I'm not trying to kelp anyone who would attempt to
install a new operating system without a key but those who might have to
install keyed software without having a key handy. I periodically run a
hard copy of Belarc and stash it away.
No use replying to this as I am adding you to my blocked sender list.
Being old fashioned I still believe please and thank you are the magic
words,
Regards,
Tex Houston
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Key Finder found the key that is on the bottom of my HP computer.
"LVTravel" <noone[ at ]nothere.com> wrote in message
news:ONEk7wNLJHA.4772[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] >
>
> "Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> wrote in message
> news:OXOkTINLJHA.4996[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> It is correct it is the key that was used for the current installation
>> and if the current installation is from an OEM manufacturer then of
>> course then it would be the same as that is on on the sticker on the
>> computer itself in which the user would not have lost
>
> Huh? You kind of lost me in that last post!
>
> What I said below is the key on the bottom or rear of a computer will NOT
> be the same key that a key finder program discloses if the computer is
> made by a major manufacturer. They will be different and the one found by
> the key finder program will NOT activate the reinstall of the operating
> system in that situation.
>
> /SNIP>>
>>> And that is not always correct either. If the computer comes from a
>>> major manufacturer like Dell, Gateway, etc. the key on the factory
>>> installation is NOT the key that is needed for the reinstallation from
>>> the Windows CD/DVD or recovery partition. The proper key will be
>>> provided on a sticker located on the computer (normally either on the
>>> bottom of a laptop or the back plate of a desktop or within the
>>> documentation.)
>>>
>>> When these major manufacturers create the hard drive it is from a master
>>> copy with a master key provided by Microsoft and there may be hundreds
>>> or thousands of computers with the same key. If that key is used to
>>> attempt to activate a reinstall it will fail.
>>>
>>
>
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"LVTravel" <noone[ at ]nothere.com> wrote in message
news:%236cK0mMLJHA.1012[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] >
>
> "Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> wrote in message
> news:eX3g4rKLJHA.4600[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> No, Paul, I didn't notice that he had already wiped out his system.
>> In any case I hope that others reading this thread will now know that
>> the Product Key is recoverable from an intact system
>
> And that is not always correct either. If the computer comes from a
> major manufacturer like Dell, Gateway, etc. the key on the factory
> installation is NOT the key that is needed for the reinstallation from
> the Windows CD/DVD or recovery partition. The proper key will be
> provided on a sticker located on the computer (normally either on the
> bottom of a laptop or the back plate of a desktop or within the
> documentation.)
>
> When these major manufacturers create the hard drive it is from a
> master copy with a master key provided by Microsoft and there may be
> hundreds or thousands of computers with the same key.
True.
> If that key is used to attempt to activate a reinstall it will fail.
Not true. I have extracted the OEM key from several differnet Dell
models, both XP And Vista, and use it during reinstalls. Works fine.
Actually, if you use the Dell provided media, it silently uses that key
itself. I've never had to use the key from the sticker. That said, the
models I've had experience with are all in the Optiplex line, which is
intended more for businesses. I suppose it might be different for other
Dell product lines, but I'd be surprised.
--
Zaphod
Arthur: All my life I've had this strange feeling that there's something
big and sinister going on in the world.
Slartibartfast: No, that's perfectly normal paranoia. Everyone in the
universe gets that.
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"Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> wrote in message
news:edD#PXTLJHA.2760[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] > Key Finder found the key that is on the bottom of my HP computer.
>
> "LVTravel" <noone[ at ]nothere.com> wrote in message
> news:ONEk7wNLJHA.4772[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>
>>
>> "Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> wrote in message
>> news:OXOkTINLJHA.4996[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> It is correct it is the key that was used for the current installation
>>> and if the current installation is from an OEM manufacturer then of
>>> course then it would be the same as that is on on the sticker on the
>>> computer itself in which the user would not have lost
>>
>> Huh? You kind of lost me in that last post!
>>
>> What I said below is the key on the bottom or rear of a computer will NOT
>> be the same key that a key finder program discloses if the computer is
>> made by a major manufacturer. They will be different and the one found
>> by the key finder program will NOT activate the reinstall of the
>> operating system in that situation.
>>
>> /SNIP>>
>>>> And that is not always correct either. If the computer comes from a
>>>> major manufacturer like Dell, Gateway, etc. the key on the factory
>>>> installation is NOT the key that is needed for the reinstallation from
>>>> the Windows CD/DVD or recovery partition. The proper key will be
>>>> provided on a sticker located on the computer (normally either on the
>>>> bottom of a laptop or the back plate of a desktop or within the
>>>> documentation.)
>>>>
>>>> When these major manufacturers create the hard drive it is from a
>>>> master copy with a master key provided by Microsoft and there may be
>>>> hundreds or thousands of computers with the same key. If that key is
>>>> used to attempt to activate a reinstall it will fail.
>>>>
>>>
>>
>
OK, that would mean that the OS has been reinstalled in the past or it was a
custom install by HP. My HP laptop with Vista has a different, currently
installed, key than the one on the sticker of the laptop, as does both my XP
Dell desktops, Sony desktop and Averatec laptop.
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When I first booted up my HP computer I had to enter the Key from the bottom
in order to change the key used to build the computer with the one on the
sticker on the bottom in order to start and activate the OS. I have seen
the same technique on other OEM vendors computers
"LVTravel" <noone[ at ]nothere.com> wrote in message
news:OCciTvULJHA.1160[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] >
>
> "Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> wrote in message
> news:edD#PXTLJHA.2760[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> Key Finder found the key that is on the bottom of my HP computer.
>>
>> "LVTravel" <noone[ at ]nothere.com> wrote in message
>> news:ONEk7wNLJHA.4772[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>
>>>
>>> "Curious" <mailmenot[ at ]nomail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:OXOkTINLJHA.4996[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>> It is correct it is the key that was used for the current installation
>>>> and if the current installation is from an OEM manufacturer then of
>>>> course then it would be the same as that is on on the sticker on the
>>>> computer itself in which the user would not have lost
>>>
>>> Huh? You kind of lost me in that last post!
>>>
>>> What I said below is the key on the bottom or rear of a computer will
>>> NOT be the same key that a key finder program discloses if the computer
>>> is made by a major manufacturer. They will be different and the one
>>> found by the key finder program will NOT activate the reinstall of the
>>> operating system in that situation.
>>>
>>> /SNIP>>
>>>>> And that is not always correct either. If the computer comes from a
>>>>> major manufacturer like Dell, Gateway, etc. the key on the factory
>>>>> installation is NOT the key that is needed for the reinstallation from
>>>>> the Windows CD/DVD or recovery partition. The proper key will be
>>>>> provided on a sticker located on the computer (normally either on the
>>>>> bottom of a laptop or the back plate of a desktop or within the
>>>>> documentation.)
>>>>>
>>>>> When these major manufacturers create the hard drive it is from a
>>>>> master copy with a master key provided by Microsoft and there may be
>>>>> hundreds or thousands of computers with the same key. If that key is
>>>>> used to attempt to activate a reinstall it will fail.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>
> OK, that would mean that the OS has been reinstalled in the past or it was
> a custom install by HP. My HP laptop with Vista has a different,
> currently installed, key than the one on the sticker of the laptop, as
> does both my XP Dell desktops, Sony desktop and Averatec laptop.
>
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Curious wrote:
[Quoted Text] > It is correct it is the key that was used for the current installation
> and if the current installation is from an OEM manufacturer then of
> course then it would be the same as that is on on the sticker on the
> computer itself in which the user would not have lost/.
No, that's not necessarily true, at all.
If one has a factory-installed OEM license, and hasn't since
reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is that of the drive image
used at the factory and not user's specific Product Key; therefore, it
probably cannot be -- and definitely should not be -- used for a
re-installation.
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
|
|
"Bruce Chambers" <bchambers[ at ]cable0ne.n3t> wrote in message
news:O4vDSTWLJHA.1160[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] > Curious wrote:
>> It is correct it is the key that was used for the current
>> installation and if the current installation is from an OEM
>> manufacturer then of course then it would be the same as that is on
>> on the sticker on the computer itself in which the user would not
>> have lost/.
>
>
> No, that's not necessarily true, at all.
>
> If one has a factory-installed OEM license, and hasn't since
> reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is that of the drive
> image used at the factory and not user's specific Product Key;
> therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not be --
> used for a re-installation.
>
>
Actually, it definitely can be and there is no reason it should not be
used for a reinstallation. For some OEMs (Dell for sure), it validates
the installation against a signature in the BIOS and results in a
perfectly valid, perfectly genuine, Windows install. Using the sticker
guarantees a call to MS (at least it did in XP, haven't tried with
Vista).
--
Zaphod
Arthur: All my life I've had this strange feeling that there's something
big and sinister going on in the world.
Slartibartfast: No, that's perfectly normal paranoia. Everyone in the
universe gets that.
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Hi I bought a used pc with no disc or number Tried the download work
perfectlry thanks a lot
"Tex Houston" wrote:
[Quoted Text] >
> "Bruce Chambers" <bchambers[ at ]cable0ne.n3t> wrote in message
> news:OL9Dy3HLJHA.1156[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> >
> > The Product *Key* is used to "prove" ownership of a legitimate license
> > and is required to perform the installation, and is either stored on the
> > DVD packaging on a sticker that says "Do not lose this number," or is on a
> > label affixed to an OEM computer.
> >
> > If you've lost both the DVD and the Product Key, you've essentially lost
> > your license to use Windows. Like any other type of property that you've
> > lost, you'll have to replace it at your own cost, unless you had it
> > insured.
>
>
> If you have have a computer you really need a copy of Belarc Advisor
> www.belarc.com which is free. It performs an analysis of your computer and
> shows updates, software installed, hardware and most important in this case
> a list of licensed software INCLUDING keys.
>
> I'm surprised this is not general knowledge.
>
> Regards,
>
> Tex Houston
>
>
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"Richard" wrote:
[Quoted Text] > Hi,
>
> I've lost my disc and key but urgently needed a reinstall of windows. I
> wrote down the product ID which I thought would help me, and installed vista
> (premium) from another disc. However, I have no key and so I now have no way
> of activating it even though I possess a valid product ID.
>
> Is there anything I can do or have I just got to spend money on another copy
> of Vista?
>
> Thanks.
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