Missing the the last 5 numbers of Windows 7 key on mother-in-laws laptop...long....

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beekermartin

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I have the pleasure of trying to repair my mother-in-laws Toshiba laptop. I tried everything I could think of to do a fresh install of Windows 7 using the recovery partition but it wouldn't work. The hard drive was too corrupted and I had to remove it from the laptop so I could format it using another computer. I tried installing windows using a USB and a normal install disc but it wouldn't get pass the first screen without locking up. After I formatted the drive I was able to install windows using the USB stick. I made sure to download and install Windows 7 Home Premium that was installed on the laptop from the factory. It installed properly and I was able to install all the drivers and Windows updates but I can't activate Windows because I can't read the last 5 digits of the key. I contacted Microsoft and they basically told me I am SOL. They don't sell Windows 7 keys any longer and they couldn't do anything to recover the last 5 digits of my current key. I contacted Toshiba and they told me they can't help me with the key but if I purchase "recovery media" from them and install it then activating windows won't be necessary. They charge $29.99 for the disc version and $39.99 for the usb version.

At this point I don't have much of a choice but I wanted to verify with someone here that what the Toshiba tech told me is true. I don't want to spend $30 on recovery media and spend the time installing it just to find out that I still need a Windows key.

I know better to always keep a copy of my Windows key for reasons just like this. Unfortunately my mother-in-law, like most people I help with their computers, didn't know any better.

So do I buy the recovery media from Toshiba and all will be right with this garbage laptop? Do I have any other cheaper alternatives at this point?

 
Solution
okcnaline
You truly must read the last 5 digit to install Windows... I don't know, try reading it the best to your eyes, and if you can't see clearly enough, guess. I think brute force is allowed.
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boju

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The raw operating system partition on the hdd, was that wiped when it was formatted? Not sure if there is a key inside the partition, guess there might be. Question for the op, would Toshiba's recovery still able to retrieve the serial even if the hdd was formatted?

Try using a magnifying glass to read the serial numbers. Microsoft may not be selling keys anymore but a lot of Computer stores still have stock for OEM. Might need to buy a hdd though.
 
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USAFRet

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The Toshiba recovery install media will have its own key.
 
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beekermartin

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I can't see the last 5 digits at all. They are basically scratched off. It looks almost intentional but she bought the laptop brand new and nobody has ever worked on it besides me. Strange, but anyways the last 5 digits are gone.

So I guess I spend the $30 on the Toshiba recovery media and hope for the best???
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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That is your least expensive option.
 
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beekermartin

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Ok. I'll order the recovery media and give that a shot. I've never heard of not needing a Windows key but I am far from an expert. Every time I've had to do a reformat and fresh install I've always needed the key. Hopefully the Toshiba software really works. This laptop isn't worth the expense of buying a retail version of Windows!
 
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JDFan

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It's not that it doesn't need the key but that all Toshiba products have code embedded in their BIOS that will auto activate if you use their restore media for your product ( OEMs do not have individual keys for each system they build as that would mean someone had to input each one ! )

Before ordering try calling Microsoft and telling them the problem - usually if you can read most of the key they can either provide the missing portion or provide you a new key to use -- so use the image you have to install windows without a key (just press enter when it asks for the key and it will install without one as a 30 day trial ) once installed try to activate ( Type activate in the start bar and select Activate Windows) - once it fails to activate since it has no key input - call the activation line and explain the problem - they will ask several questions ( ie. read the portion you can read, what model and make of system it is, etc.) once you give them that info they will normally give you the missing keys or just give you a new key and help you activate it.

They may refer you to Toshiba as the manufacturer is normally the one responsible to give you a new key but many times if you are already talking to microsoft and have enough of the info they will just give you the needed key. If they do not then try calling Toshiba ( Toshiba at their support # (800) 457-7777 and explain to them it is already reinstalled but you can not read the entire code and they should provide a new code ( They'll ask for the portion you can read and the serial # of your system) - If they will not provide one call microsoft back and tell them the manufacturer would not help and they will normally provide you a key. (figure you paid for the product already so there should not be any need to purchase anything else.
 
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beekermartin

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Thank you for that awesome reply! Unfortunately I did exactly what you said to do before I started this thread. The guy at Microsoft said there was nothing he could do to help me if I didn't have the complete key. I explained to him that I had the first 20 digits and only needed the last 5. He said sorry I can't help you with a key and I can not sell you a new key because we don't sell windows 7 keys anymore. He told me to contact Toshiba. All Toshiba offered for a solution was to purchase their recovery media.

Basically nobody seemed to care that all I needed was the last 5 digits of the key. I believe it is completely ridiculous but I also understand that protecting the windows key is the owners responsibility.

I guess I could call Microsoft again and ask to speak to supervisor but it didn't sound like that was an option. You would think that if I gave them the first 20 digits they could easily provide me with the last 5.
 
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USAFRet

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Part of the issue is that the OS was bought from Toshiba, not MS. Given a full license key, MS can validate it, but they can't/won't provide the missing parts. Only Toshiba can do that.
 
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beekermartin

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So I am back to my best option being to order the recovery media disc from Toshiba for $30??? I was planning on ordering it tonight and then I noticed that new post by JDFan.
 
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