On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 16:15:04 -0700, "TJ"
wrote:

I need to renstall windows 98 on a older laptop but i lost
my Key code and it wont install with out it. I cant get my
computer to start up so i start it up on the windows 98
diskand when i get into setup it ask for the key code and
i lost it. Is there any way i can get the keycode off the
disk. Or is there any way i can get it for free.

Thank you

TJ,

If Windows is installed enter this from the Dos prompt:
C:\windows\command\Find /i "ProductKey" c:\windows\system.dat
(that's an "eye" in /i)
You can also try this if the System.1st file has not been deleted.
C:\windows\command\Find /i "ProductKey" c:\system.1st
There are 3 spaces, 1 before and after /i and 1 before c:
The ProductKey is 5 groups of 5 letters and numbers.

You can also try this from Dos if the System.1st file has not been
deleted and you can't access FIND.
Enter: Edit System.1st
Then use the search feature for ProductKey (one word). Use the ALT
key to access the menus.
Use Alt+F then X to exit the Editor.
Not all SE systems have the key in System.1st.

Regards,

Bill Watt
Computer Help and Information http://home.epix.net/~bwatt/