and about a month ago i completely wiped the hard drive and reinstalled the operating system. Microsoft gives you 30 days to activate my copy of windows, and i need to do it now because i only have 5 days left. Where can i get the activation key, because i bought this computer at a garage sale. Somebody has told me that the key is on the side of the tower (where you enter in cd's and stuff), but i looked there and it appears to have been scratched off. HELP!
2007-12-20 04:12:34 · 8 answers · asked by snapcracklepop9832 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Usually there is a green/red sticker what says "Microsoft Windows Home Edition" on it with the CD key. It is usually located on the side of your computer. If it has been scratched off you are out of luck. If it is a Dell/Gateway/HP and you can still read the vendor serial number, you might try giving them a call and asking if they have the CD Key for your computer. Otherwise, just buy it on eBay... you can probably find a copy of Windows XP for $1
2007-12-20 04:17:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How did you install the OS when you formatted it? Does that CD have a key on the case or CD itself?
Did you use a recovery application that is installed only on the hard drive? If so tool around in the directories where those files are located. If is convenient you may try to go back to the place you bought it, that house, and see if they have it or have some thoughts on this.
Your only other alternative is to purchase a new copy of it to get the key.
good luck
2007-12-20 12:22:23 · answer #2 · answered by Slick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy Another windows license thats the only legal way to do it
other wise get a pirated CD key form any Cracks site ITS ILLEGAL
2007-12-20 12:17:27 · answer #3 · answered by UMER 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, you have to insert the prouduct key to install it. When I activated, I just entered some general info and it worked, try clicking the activate link and see what happens
2007-12-20 12:16:42 · answer #4 · answered by arledgetd 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the quickest way is to take it to a computer shop and they will sort it for you,i don`t know where you are but i`m in the north of england and it cost £35 to have my comp seen to
hope this sorts you`re problem out
2007-12-20 12:17:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will need to purchase a new key. I would suggest purchasing a copy on ebay...here is one I recently purchased for a friend.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120181317123
2007-12-20 12:19:55 · answer #6 · answered by Why ask me? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sucks to be you. You'll have to purchase another legit copy.
2007-12-20 12:15:38 · answer #7 · answered by Prophet 1102 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well u have no choice right now. find it or have to pay for the new OS
2007-12-20 12:16:08 · answer #8 · answered by Sagar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋