My friend got an older laptop from a relative today, a Dell Latitude running Windows 98 se. It had worked fine for a while. He was using it to type a paper today, and walked away from it for a second. The computer went into standby, and when he moved the mouse to bring it out, it prompted him to register for Windows, and for an OEM. It has been registered for years. Why would it suddenly ask for the info? It was a refurbished laptop, so he doesn't even have the number. What can we do to be able to use it again, short of putting another copy of Windows in? Thanks!
2007-09-06 17:47:18 · 6 answers · asked by Anne 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
look on the botton of the laptop it should have the Windows COA code their or you can always call dell with the service tag number of the laptop and they should be able to help you out..
2007-09-06 17:52:43 · answer #1 · answered by Philip 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What I would try is totally shutting down the computer, including pulling the battery, and let it sit for a while, and then try re-starting it.
You may have to go into the safe mode, but it should be recoverable. I have an old Dell laptop that runs W 98. It gets squirrelly at times but it usually will recover with a little help.
I don't use mine on the internet--I use it as a portable auxiliary for my desktop, which runs a newer operating system.
Windows 98 is reasonably safe to use on the internet if you're careful where you go and use anti-virus software. If the laptop will support a newer OS it might be worth looking into. I would suggest Windows 2000 or later, depending on your processor and what it can handle. XP would be better. Stay away from the Millennium Edition (ME).
2007-09-07 01:24:33 · answer #2 · answered by Warren D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With Windows 98se? Without re-installing? There's not much you can do.
Given those restrictions, I would see if there is any way that you can locate the registration number from where the laptop came from.
However, I would STRONGLY recommend upgrading to a newer version of Windows, especially if you use that laptop to get onto the internet. Win98 is no longer supported by Microsoft. It's almost 10 years old after all. Any new viruses or malware will wreak havoc on that poor PC.
2007-09-07 01:00:21 · answer #3 · answered by jsleno 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Download Belarc Advisor and run the program, it should show you what the key codes are for the windows installed.
2007-09-07 04:56:08 · answer #4 · answered by PCSTech 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If Dell refuses to help you, and they probably will.... Try contacting Microsoft for help. They have a toll free number
2007-09-07 00:55:45 · answer #5 · answered by Pyria 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
humm, try to do a restore point..or uninstall the last update..
2007-09-07 00:53:45 · answer #6 · answered by megasparks0101 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋