Problem with Computer:( Help!

[CDdude55]

I was reinstalling my OS(didnt back up anything), and when it prompted for the CDkey i relized i had lost it(i was mad), i was thinking about calling Microsoft, but i know they need some kind of proof, which i dont have that that windows is mine.

I have two HDD's in my comp, so i took out the one that i was trying to reinstall the OS on, but for some reason it still goes to the enter CD key part in the instalation of windows even with the second HDD that doesnt have anything on it, Is it the mobo that keeps going there or what?

I am unable to boot from the CD again also.or reformat.

 

[ex_reven]

Windows is fussy with hardware changes.
If you made any the only way to get your compy working is to ring up.

Id take the hard drive out and copy the contents onto another pc (since you wanted to reinstall OS anyway). Then reinstall windows from scratch.
Unless you can figure out a way of getting it to boot. Maybe safe mode or something?

 

[Grimskull]

I presume is the OS thats in your signature?

As far as i am aware you can get the key from the CD... pop the CD into a PC > start > my computer > right click and explore > look for a folder called I386 and then search for a text file called unattend. The CD key should be there somewhere.

 

[CDdude55]

I presume is the OS thats in your signature?

As far as i am aware you can get the key from the CD... pop the CD into a PC > start > my computer > right click and explore > look for a folder called I386 and then search for a text file called unattend. The CD key should be there somewhere.

Yes, windows Xp Home Edition SP2. Thanks for info

 

[Grimskull]

No problem... let me know how u get on.

I also presume its a fully legit version of XP, Windows XP doesn't like major hardware changes, it then thinks its a new PC and u have to buy a new license. You will have to contact Microsoft to get your current version of XP "re-legit" after you install it (if you follow me).

If they ask have you made any hardware changes say no, but you got a virus on the PC and lost all your data cos of there crap OS etc etc... I always use that and they sort my key out again!

Or say you got this on your PC... link

 

[AsRock]

Can you get into a working copy of XP ?. If so you can find your key in the reg if it's been activated that is...

 

[CDdude55]

Can you get into a working copy of XP ?. If so you can find your key in the reg if it's been activated that is...

On another PC, yes

 

[AsRock]

On another PC, yes

If you right click My Computer and select properties do a search in the reg for details there for the name company and such. Been a few years since i did it but thats how i used to get mine.

 

[CDdude55]

I presume is the OS thats in your signature?

As far as i am aware you can get the key from the CD... pop the CD into a PC > start > my computer > right click and explore > look for a folder called I386 and then search for a text file called unattend. The CD key should be there somewhere.

I entered the product key i found in there and its saying its not valid.

 

[CDdude55]

If you right click My Computer and select properties do a search in the reg for details there for the name company and such. Been a few years since i did it but thats how i used to get mine.

Where do i go when in properties?(to get to reg)

And i am looking for the CD key on another PC not the one i am using.

 

[CDdude55]

Anyone?

 

[Woody112]

just call microsoft they will work with you. Give them the key that it says is invalid and also have the serial number to your mobo handy. they may want it since any time your register a program like windows it assigns the serial number of your mobo to that key.

 

[Rintrah]

If you Cd key is invalid you can call Microsoft's 1 -800 number to reactivate you serial number, as long as it is genuine. Just tell the nice lady ( voice recognition software) you havent made any changes to your software configuration. Your serial # should then work .

 

[CDdude55]

Hopefully its voice recognition software, i hate dealing with company support people.

 

[karolpl2004]

cough cough piracy cough cough

 

[CDdude55]

cough cough piracy cough cough

lol.

My copy of Windows was bought off of Newegg.com some time ago.

 

[95Viper]

If you have another pc, load Tweak VI, from here:http://www.totalidea.com/download.php
Most of the settings are free to use...

View attachment 19782

 

[CDdude55]

If you have another pc, load Tweak VI, from here:http://www.totalidea.com/download.php
Most of the settings are free to use...

View attachment 19782

Will it show me the CD key on the Windows Disc i put in?

 

[95Viper]

Where do i go when in properties?(to get to reg)

And i am looking for the CD key on another PC not the one i am using.

I thought you had another install of windows. The program pulls the key from the reg on an already install windows, but you have to have a key - it is not on the install cd.

 

[CDdude55]

I have another PC that has Windows on it(using right now).

So it wont show me the install key on the Windows CD i put in?

 

[95Viper]

The windows install cd does not have the key on it, it comes printed on a sticker and when you enter it during the install it stores it and then you have activate it.

 

[CDdude55]

Well, i managed to boot from the CD and format my HDD, so i currently have no OS installed on it.

I guess i should wait till Vista SP2 and install that?

 

[pepsi71ocean]

Well, i managed to boot from the CD and format my HDD, so i currently have no OS installed on it.

I guess i should wait till Vista SP2 and install that?

if you need to get data off of the HDD, you can use Get Data Back for NTFS it works great, ive used it multiple times my self to fix, and salvage stuff off of dead HDD's on our business computers.

 

[CDdude55]

if you need to get data off of the HDD, you can use Get Data Back for NTFS it works great, ive used it multiple times my self to fix, and salvage stuff off of dead HDD's on our business computers.

There was nothing i wanted that was important on there, just some games that i can reinstall when ever i get a new OS.

 

[CDdude55]

I found a copy of Windows Office, but i cant boot from it for some reason. WTF.