Product Code

I have an HP that came with it's own recovery disk.
Original Windows is 98...then I installed 98
update...then ME.

I was having problems so decided to re-install the
original software without formatting the C drive. It
gives you the option of formatting or not to save files.

After re-installing it asks for the Windows 98 original
product code which I lost maybe 6 years ago. Can't seem
to find any info on Microsoft site. Anybody know if I
can get a new product code without paying Microsft? Any
help is appreciated.

The W98 ProductKey is generally found on the Windows user manual, the
certificate of authenticity, a sticker on the PC or a sticker on the sleeve
or jewel case the Windows CD came in. The 25-digit key is 5 groups of 5
alpha/numeric characters. The Key might be available from the system:

If the system is working in either safe or normal mode:

Open regedit.exe to this key and look in the right pane for the entry
ProductKey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion

If the system is not working, start the computer with a floppy startup disk.

At the A: prompt, type: C:\Windows\Command\Find /N "ProductKey"
C:\Windows\System.dat
(Note: ProductKey must be typed in upper and lower case letters as shown
and there is a space after: "Find" after: "/N" and after:
"ProductKey"

If the hard drive has been formatted or replaced, 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.


--
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

"Joe" wrote in message
...
I have an HP that came with it's own recovery disk.
Original Windows is 98...then I installed 98
update...then ME.

I was having problems so decided to re-install the
original software without formatting the C drive. It
gives you the option of formatting or not to save files.

After re-installing it asks for the Windows 98 original
product code which I lost maybe 6 years ago. Can't seem
to find any info on Microsoft site. Anybody know if I
can get a new product code without paying Microsft? Any
help is appreciated.