What can I do without the Win 98 CD key?
Wednesday, 10 January, 2007
I recently acquired a laptop from a friend who was going to throw it out. The laptop is a Compaq Presario 1660. He gave me the laptop, Windows 98 Second Edition and the Compaq restore CD.
Windows was being a bit sluggish so I decided to perform a format and start from scratch using the quick restore CD. I opted to perform a full format and restore (one of about six options on the restore CD). The process went on without a hitch until it became necessary to enter the Windows 98 serial key.
I thought “OK, that’s cool” and entered the one on the back of the CD case, only to be told it was invalid. How do I get the correct code?
I have the laptop number/serial key. Is there another way to get the laptop running? Could I use different Compaq software, or should I opt to install a different OS?
(Originally posted November 2005)
Rob Stephens, Red Hill, VIC
 If your friend still has the original manuals and other documentation which accompanied the laptop the CD key code you need should be printed on them. You should also check underneath the laptop to see if it has a ‘Genuine Microsoft Windows’ sticker affixed which could also have the CD key code you need printed on it. Those stickers accompany all OEM copies of Windows and systems which have OEM versions of Windows installed rather than retail copies, and it is a requirement of the licence that they be fixed to the machine.
If you can’t find it, then there are a couple of alternatives available:
- Contact HP via the support section of its website or otherwise. They may supply you with a valid code to use, although it’s rather doubtful for such an old laptop. Worth trying, though, because if you can obtain a CD code to use with the Quick Restore CD you’ll be able to continue using the pre-installed software which originally came with the laptop.
- Obtain a Windows 98 Startup diskette either by making one on a friend’s Windows 98 PC or by downloading a disk image from www.bootdisk.com and making it. Boot the laptop from the diskette, format again and install Windows from the genuine Windows 98 PC, and you’ll be able to use the CD code from that. You’ll need to install the device drivers available for download from the Compaq download section of HP’s website, and you’ll need to obtain application software to use from elsewhere.
Had you not yet formatted the system, the CD key code for the Windows installation could have been retrieved from the Registry, but now that it’s been formatted that opportunity has passed. The CD key code isn’t actually encoded on the CD. The installation merely checks to see if the code entered is a valid one for your region and Windows product license type. The key code from a different OEM Windows installation may allow the procedure to continue, for example, whereas the code from your retail copy of Windows 98 will not. In any event, using a different key code would void your license to use the software. The above two suggestions are the only legitimate ways you could address your problem.
Hope that’s been helpful, Terry O'Shanassy
 Reader solutions
naksPosted: 12/05/2008 try this CDKEYS!!! This is my phone number on Jupiter
KMC2V-2BVFH-YJGG2-36K4R-RK9TQ
or
DYF2T-RX282-WF9VX-7GRQP-VVB2D purple pantherPosted: 02/04/2008 What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? Try an update and switch to Ubuntu Linux. You won't need a key and your machine will probably run better. Posted: 12/02/2008 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? My system sends an error stating windows have performed illegal operation and system may get shut down when ever I open
computer.
What can I do to rectify the problem ?
Please help
(The usual solution if=s to do a refresh installation of Windows over the top of the one you have. Try that. -PZ) ARUNPosted: 19/01/2008 tell me the cd key of win98se i insist for arunsisodia05@yahoo.co.in md munawarPosted: 14/12/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? win 98 support key
munawar801@yahoo.co.in
SAGAR SADASHIV DESAIPosted: 03/12/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? DESAI.SAGAR.143@GMAIL.COM AND SEND IT NOW Voica RadescuPosted: 27/11/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? how about a key for the Win 98 se, does anyone has a workable key?
Thanks
(email at voikitza@gmail.com)!
V
i am software theif who want it neilPosted: 14/11/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? i had a similar problem, in that my puta came up with a red-brown screen saying it couldnt find the config files! so i used my recover disk and then it asked for the win98 serial key - buggered if i knew where the book was. i used the key submitted on the 18/10 - it worked thanks very much to whomever listed it :D LuluPosted: 06/11/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? Buy Windows 99. I have it and it is only available in the place where I live. It is called Sunny Acres RH. ReaderPosted: 31/10/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? You Can Go Into Safe Mode And Use the os SholPosted: 18/10/2007 windows 98 product key well, i'm totally confused about what to do. i've tried all the win98 product keys there are, but nothing happens at all. so i need your help.
(Surely you'd use the product key that came with your Windows 98 CD. ?? -PZ) Posted: 08/10/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? D7D7J-WFK2R-TDQJB-GX6F3-R6RCM
this is a working key
try using it sachin bharat kolekarPosted: 18/07/2007 where i get Win 98 CD second edition? hi pls give me win98 second edition software on my email id
sachinkolekar2000@yahoo.com
(No. -PZ) amitPosted: 30/06/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? i loss my win98 cd key and my computer requried to repair.. what i do
pleas not to tel me reading answer above becorse i not likin this requried reading taskes
(Okay, then I won't tell you to read the answer. Why did you bother even writing in then? -PZ) DanPosted: 17/06/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? I just inherited a tired, old machine that hardware-wise can't do anything but Win98 (or linux). It too is a Compaq and I think this is just like what the original poster ran into. I had the Win98 license key from the active Win98 OS and the key format was ####-OEM-####-####. I hit the recover boot disk to clean this all up and the new Windows 98 it installed is asking for a CD key in the new format like the pirate entries above. The restore partition that came with the ancient Compaq presario is essentially a pirate copy since it doesn't come with a valid license! No worries .. the hacked numbers will work. No sense buying Win98 AGAIN since it is long since desupported. alanPosted: 08/06/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? look i don`t care you give it or not just lose it and i need that key fash your answer is anoying dude Pravin AhirePosted: 29/05/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? Try these:
GCTBQ P6FCG 8YY8T Y3JD4 GVJHW
D7D7J-WFK2R-TDQJB-GX6F3-R6RCM
ktcyx-qrhxx-xx7gm-fgyqj-xdpgy
cxtvg-6b2v9-b2m7r-xdw76-hxfpj
DQYJW-K4HGQ-DKW3T-673GY-PT8F8 steven walkerPosted: 26/05/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? please could you get me a spare key number please i need i spare one i hope i dont have to pay please help
(We won't give you one. -PZ) penguinPosted: 25/05/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? Win 98 s/n: DQYJW-K4HGQ-DKW3T-673GY-PT8F8 ashyPosted: 07/05/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? i dont no how to work this stupid thing so could someone help[me i a 16 and i lost my key code so now i dontno what to do at all.
(Windows 98 is quite old now, so I don't think you would be upsetting Microsoft too much if you asked your friends or neighbours and used their key. -PZ) james royPosted: 28/04/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? give me product key of window 98 second edition
(I'm sure you can find a friend who will give you their old, no longer used Windows 98 CD and ID. Ask around. -PZ) wamamalaPosted: 18/03/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? i want the cd key
(So buy the product. -PZ) Posted: 12/03/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? try this
http://home.online.no/~ronstore/codes%20to%20win%20prog..htm KeithPosted: 15/01/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? Graham
I have read the post a number of times and nowhere does it say which computer he used to post this question. I read what he said Did you? I do a number of fixes after people like you tell others how to do it but I still dont consider myself an exprt
Keith graham whitehousePosted: 15/01/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? kieth i am a computer expert and the guy said he used the laptop he got from a friend to post his question in here and yet he said he couldnt load up windows 98se on it because he aint got the serial key so i stick to my post i made before how can he do that if he cant use the laptop as he said he aint got the serial key but he said he USED the laptop to post the question r u that stupid that u didnt read what he said MichaelPosted: 15/01/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? Why are you guys acting like idiots? I feel this is a great answer from PC User.
As to graham whitehouse haven't you ever heard of a library or using a mate's PC???
Back on topic, I think you can call HP and I'm sure they'll help you out. Give them the serial number on the back of the sticker and I'd suggest asking your mate if that was the code. You code should look something like xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx.
Overall Good luck mate, hope you get it working! popPosted: 14/01/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? you cold download 1. you do own the legit copy.
VOLKAN POLATPosted: 31/10/2006
re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key?
My name is Talop Naklov backwards.
Why did you post this..remove it this is not helpful and are annoying
(Sorry Pop, I'm confused. =PZ) KeithPosted: 14/01/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? Graham havent you ever used another computer?
Keith
(Soon Keith, soon. -PZ) graham whitehousePosted: 13/01/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? well if u couldnt reload windows 98se with out the serial key how did u post the question u idiot? Posted: 13/01/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? Are you sure that you have typed the serial key accurately? People commonly make the mistake by typing in 'o' in place of zero. You might also be typing in the product code by mistake. From my experience, reinstalling Windows 98 SE will work with any Windows 98 serial key. You can borrow from a friend or anyone else you know. longPosted: 12/01/2007 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? i lost my key wat i can do?
Send it to long0289@sbcglobal.net now
(Are you kidding us? Terry O'Shanassy prepared a very thoughtful and complete answer to this questio? Why do you feel it's beneath you to read his answer? -PZ) Posted: 14/12/2006 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? where i can find cd key??
(In the Registry. -PZ) VOLKAN POLATPosted: 31/10/2006 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? My name is Talop Naklov backwards. crackupPosted: 14/11/2005 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? Try downloading 'serials3k'. It is a serial key/crack code program that may have a key that would help. Ian SmithPosted: 13/11/2005 re: What can I do without the Win 98 CD key? 2 other solutions....
unformat drive (with Norton or similar)
grab CD key from Registry
reformat and away you go
or
buy Win98 from eBay..plenty of sellers
there last time I looked
cheers |