Boy, you sure got some interesting advice so far. So, let's see if we can
cut through it a bit...
1) As long as the existing registry is in place and you only intend to
reload over it, then you must have the exact same key code or it
will not reinstall windows, erring out wanting the original serial number.
2) The key code cannot be entered by typing in just any set of of
letters or numbers, as they must meet an algorithm designed
to meet an expected result in order to work... this is only for
original install or an install where you have deleted out the system.dat
file... you must have a serial number that Windows will accept.
3) You have stated that Windows has been brought to it's knees, which
I take that it will not start, Winston's idea will not work, though it is
on the right track.
In order to get the key code from a PC where Windows exists on the hard
drive and it will not start... boot using a Windows boot disk. (We have
copies of nearly all Dos and Windows boot disks on our web site at:
http://freepctech.com/pc/002/files010.shtml )...
Then, at the command prompt, ( A:\> ), type the following:
A:\>c:\windows\command\edit.com c:\windows\system.dat [press enter]
Now, as Winston told you earlier, just use Search for ProductKey and you
can read out the serial number. Once you have it written down, close
EDIT.COM and use your CD to reinstall Windows... or you can do as
you need with the Install CD, as you have the Product Key for this PC
and installation can be done to make it as intended by Microsoft, if that
includes format and reinstall for your customer.
Bob Wright
The NoSpin Group, Inc.
http://nospin.org - http://freepctech.com
At 01:06 PM 6/16/2002, Al Thompson wrote:
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Winston"
>Subject: Re: [PCSOFT] key code
>
>
> > if possible, do a START|RUN|regedit and search for "ProductKey" (all one
> > word). This will give the key that windows was installed with. This page may
> > or may not tell you if it was an OEM or upgrade.
> > Either way, good luck.
> >
> > Winston Pike
>----------------
>
>If, for some reason, Winston's idea doesn't work, I'm pretty sure you can enter any combination of
>letters and numbers. Unless the owner plans to register the product, Win98 doesn't seem to notice.
>If I'm mistaken, then you'll just have to abort the install. ( A computer studies
>instructor taught
>me this trick ). hth
>
>Al Thompson
>
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Richard Hallett"
> > Subject: [PCSOFT] key code
> >
> >
> > > A computor was brought in with an original not an upgrade disk for 98 but
> > no
> > > key code. Is there any way to either find the keycode or get it to work
> > > without the keycode to reload the machine.
> > >
> > > The machine had been brought to its knees by a virus.
> > >
> > > Rick
"Hold No Punches.." Rode brings you great shareware/freeware
programs with his honest opinions in this weekly column.
http://freepctech.com/rode
|
