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Archived This topic has been archived. Information and links in this thread may no longer be available or relevant. If you have a question create a new topic by clicking here and select the appropriate board.

‎05-19-2017 05:39 PM

HP Recommended

If your current Windows installation still exists, and runs, see:  https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

for extracting the current Windows key.

 

If it does not run, attach the disk-drive as a "slave" disk-drive to another computer, and "run-as-administrator" that keyfinder program, pointing it to the 'WINDOWS' folder on the "slave" disk-drive.

 

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‎05-19-2017 06:18 PM - edited ‎05-19-2017 06:26 PM

HP Recommended

Without a product key, you won't be able to reinstall windows unless you order HP recovery disks.

 

There should have been one on the case.  That is a requirement placed on the PC manufacturer by Microsoft.

 

The key in windows, if it is the original HP installation, is a volume license key, and will not work if you try to activate it.

 

So using a keyfinder software program will indeed find the key, but it will be of no value.

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