Product Key for donated computer...
 

I'm the chairman of the governing board of a non-profit
cooperative pre-school. A Compaq computer was donated for
our kids to use. When we hooked it and started it, the
only window that comes up asks for the product key. The
gentleman that donated it, did not give us the original
disks along with it. What is the best(cheapest, fastest)
way to get this computer functional? I would really
appreciate any and all feedback.

Product Key for donated computer...
 

You can purchase a license for your system on e-Bay. It seems that he has
configured the system with an installed but inactivated operating system -
this is common for retail sellers. It is likely (but not guaranteed) that
there is a copy of the installation CD on the hard disk, so you would get
away with purchasing just the license. Otherwise, you need a license and a
CD.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (DTS)
"Jose Velarde" wrote in message
...
I'm the chairman of the governing board of a non-profit
cooperative pre-school. A Compaq computer was donated for
our kids to use. When we hooked it and started it, the
only window that comes up asks for the product key. The
gentleman that donated it, did not give us the original
disks along with it. What is the best(cheapest, fastest)
way to get this computer functional? I would really
appreciate any and all feedback.

Product Key for donated computer...
 

He has no use for the restore disk as it will only work with that PC.
Suggest you contact him and ask if he still has the CD.

As far as the product key: US customers can contact Microsoft at: 1 800
642-7676. They will issue retail and OEM product keys after verifying data
located on the W98 CD. (Notice the CD will probably be required.)

--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jose Velarde" wrote in message
...
I'm the chairman of the governing board of a non-profit
cooperative pre-school. A Compaq computer was donated for
our kids to use. When we hooked it and started it, the
only window that comes up asks for the product key. The
gentleman that donated it, did not give us the original
disks along with it. What is the best(cheapest, fastest)
way to get this computer functional? I would really
appreciate any and all feedback.

Product Key for donated computer...
 

If by chance you have a compaq with Win98se there should be a sticker some
were on the PC case. It should contain your Product key of 25 digits i.e
abcde-12345-dfghj-23456-dfg45 if its on the case type this in and it should
get you into windows. If not you need to get a licence for windows 98 which
maybe hard as M$ dont sell it anymore.

"Jose Velarde" wrote:

I'm the chairman of the governing board of a non-profit
cooperative pre-school. A Compaq computer was donated for
our kids to use. When we hooked it and started it, the
only window that comes up asks for the product key. The
gentleman that donated it, did not give us the original
disks along with it. What is the best(cheapest, fastest)
way to get this computer functional? I would really
appreciate any and all feedback.

"Jose Velarde" wrote in message
...
I'm the chairman of the governing board of a non-profit
cooperative pre-school. A Compaq computer was donated for
our kids to use. When we hooked it and started it, the
only window that comes up asks for the product key. The
gentleman that donated it, did not give us the original
disks along with it. What is the best(cheapest, fastest)
way to get this computer functional? I would really
appreciate any and all feedback.

Intall Linux - cheapest=free,fastest=takes about an hour.
You don't need install codes.
This assumes you don't need to run a specific piece of
Windows software. There is lots of software in the
linux world that works just like Windows software and
99.99% is free. For example there is OpenOffice.

I wasn't being fesecious(sp?). Now if you are stuck at
getting Windows installed/reinstalled on this computer,
you will have to come up with a legal copy of a Windows
OEM/Retail cd with its' associated Key number. First
determine the model number of the compac. Call HP/
Compaq and see if you can get a restore disk. If it is
too old, MS pulled HP/Compaq's licensing and it legally
can not sell them anymore. But first, try to get the original
from the doner. If you have no luck, try to get one of
eBay, or buy one from a friend/flea market. Make sure
you don't pay for a "fake" one. Once you get a legit
number, you can procede.

charles....