product key

I have started the recovery process and cannot find my product key. How do I get past this or get another. My computer is worthless without it

 

If the operating system came pre-installed on the computer when you bought it, there might be a sticker on the computer tower with the product key on it. Otherwise, if you've already formatted the harddrive and/or the computer won't load Windows even in Safe Mode, your only option is to call Microsoft, explain the situation and ask if they will give you a product key.

If the computer will still boot into Windows, you can use Aida32, Belarc or Magic Jellybean's keyfinder to get the product key. A Google search will provide links to download any and all of them.

The key is not on the Windows CD since those are "generic "and the product key is an algorithm sort of thing....which is why different valid product keys for a particular version of Windows will work with the same CD.