Tom's Hardware > Forum > Windows 95/98/ME > Windows 95/98/Me General Discussion > computer crashed, need new product key
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Anonymous   07-21-2005 at 04:40:06 PM

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

 

I recently had some problems with my computer and upon trying to fix them,
the entire thing went down.

Now when I restart it, it appears to be trying to re-install Windows 98 even
though there isn't a disc in the cdrom. I can get to the screen where it asks
for a product key, but I don't know where the disc or original product key
is, and can't get past this screen.

I have searched all over the Microsoft website and can't find a number to
call to obtain a new key. Anybody?

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Anonymous   07-21-2005 at 04:58:59 PM
- 0 +

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

 

Emily,

There are several issues to deal with, here. Let's take them in order:

1. What were the problems you were trying to solve, originally?

2. What brand/model system do you have (HP, Compaq, Dell, etc.)?

I'm not sure how you managed to start the reinstall procedure (probably
from some "Recovery" console that's built into the system?) My
preference would be to abort this reinstall and see about fixing the
system. My second preference would be to back up your files and then
reformat and reinstall (which may already be what's happening--you may
already have lost the files.) Reinstalling over the top of an existing
system (without reformatting) is very likely not going to solve your
problems, and it almost always creates new problems.

If your old system is more or less intact, there are ways of getting the
Product Key from a DOS prompt. Or, if you were the original Registered
Owner of the system, it's possible to call MS and get a replacement
Product Key. While I'm looking up the details for these procedures,
perhaps you could respond to my questions above.

Oh... Do you have a Windows Startup floppy disk?

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Emily" <Emily@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E41B6523-0D45-40D7-B764-DBFC27C41601@microsoft.com...
>I recently had some problems with my computer and upon trying to fix
>them,
> the entire thing went down.
>
> Now when I restart it, it appears to be trying to re-install Windows
> 98 even
> though there isn't a disc in the cdrom. I can get to the screen where
> it asks
> for a product key, but I don't know where the disc or original product
> key
> is, and can't get past this screen.
>
> I have searched all over the Microsoft website and can't find a number
> to
> call to obtain a new key. Anybody?

Reply to Anonymous
Anonymous   07-21-2005 at 07:16:42 PM
- 0 +

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

 

The W98 ProductKey is generally found on the Windows user manual, the
certificate of authenticity, a sticker on the PC or a sticker on the sleeve
or jewel case the Windows CD came in. The 25-digit key is 5 groups of 5
alpha/numeric characters. The Key might be available from the system:

If the system is working in either safe or normal mode:

Open regedit.exe to this key and look in the right pane for the entry
ProductKey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

If the system is not working, start the computer with a floppy startup disk.

At the A: prompt, type: C:\Windows\Command\Find /N "ProductKey"
C:\Windows\System.dat
(Note: ProductKey must be typed in upper and lower case letters as shown
and there is a space after: "Find" after: "/N" and after:
"ProductKey"

If the hard drive has been formatted or replaced, US customers can contact
Microsoft at: 1 800 642-7676. They will issue retail and OEM product keys
after verifying data located on the W98 CD.

I suggest writing the ProductKey on the CD with a Sharpie marker.
***********

Once you get the ProductKey entered, let's see what happens and if the
problems remain, post them to this thread as Gary advised.

--
Regards


Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo



"Emily" <Emily@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E41B6523-0D45-40D7-B764-DBFC27C41601@microsoft.com...
>I recently had some problems with my computer and upon trying to fix them,
> the entire thing went down.
>
> Now when I restart it, it appears to be trying to re-install Windows 98
> even
> though there isn't a disc in the cdrom. I can get to the screen where it
> asks
> for a product key, but I don't know where the disc or original product key
> is, and can't get past this screen.
>
> I have searched all over the Microsoft website and can't find a number to
> call to obtain a new key. Anybody?

Reply to Anonymous
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