Problem with emachines is that the factory restore is "IN WINDOWS". I'm not sure what you can do here. Your key should be on the tower, you may need to download or barrow a copy of the "SAME" os and use your key when prompted. There are also recovery options on a Windows 7 Disc as well, but it may be complicated to use them. If it don't activate call them and tell let them know what happened, they are pretty good that way, Micro$oft i mean. Worst case, call emachines...but good luck with that.