Windows Product Code

[ikrstanovich]

I have a laptop that belongs to my daughter.  The hard drive has crashed and I am about to install a new hard drive.  The operation system will be re-installed from a recovery disc provided by HP for that particular laptop.  My only concern is that the Windows Product Key Code has been rubbed off clean from the sticker that is on the bottom of the laptop.  Will I need this code or will there already be one on the disc that came from HP?  If I need this code how can I get one, other than purchase a new license for one that she has already owned.  Please tell me all that you can.  I really would appreciate the help.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

If you are using the factory recovery disks from HP, normally you do not need to enter the product code. I have never had to enter a Windows product key when using a set of HP recovery disks on an HP PC.

The disks contain pre-activated Windows software specifically made for your model PC, so there will be no product key included with the recovery disk set.

If a person loses or obliterates a product key, there is no way to replace it.

I always recommend to folks having laptops, to write or type the product key down and put it somewhere for safekeeping, as you would imagine that what happened to your daughter's PC, happens to about 99% of everyone else's too, that use their notebooks a lot.

Paul