Recovery - Product Key unreadable

I have a Satellite A505-S6960 whose hard drive failed. Got new HD. I don't have recovery media and the Product key on bottom of laptop is unreadable. Is it worth it to get recovery media if I can't read the product key? I assume product key is needed during recovery, is that a correct assumption?
Thanks,
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Old thread but lots of interest to new product owners.
This seems to be the generic response to questions about doing a "clean install".
In the previous question, it was stated the HD was trashed, and no Toshiba back up was available.
It's rather pointless to point out something that is irreverent to the question.
Here's the deal, new owners. When the HD gets trashed, and you attempt to install another legal windows copy, the OEM product number will do you no good. Even in doing a Toshiba back up, the product will not be reloaded registered, and you will be without a means to register your back up reinstall.
Hope that you purchased an extended warranty. It will go something like this over the phone. They will step you through the back up process. You will tell the person no back up image is available, and they will provide a service number, send you a box, and you will send you're new computer in to have the OS reinstalled.
Now one would think during service, since the Toshiba recovery disk does not cost (aside shipping $29.00), they the process would be well thought out enough to include the "Free" copy when returning the unit.
This isn't just with this brand. Most all manufactures do business this way now.
Not a happy customer, especially when direct questions are posted wanting information on how to activate Windows after clean install go unanswered, other than to say "you don't need one".
IF any of this is in error, please provide information as to what product number to enter when reinstalling Windows 7. Make sure it's one that is acceptable to MicrosoFt as they won't activate the product number supplied on the bottom of your brand spanking new laptop.

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Windows 7 x64 System Recovery Product Key not same as COA sticker

I have restored my Satellite P775-S7232 with Windows 7 Home Premium x64 to the out-of box condition by booting from the Sysyem Recovery Partition. Afterwards during the process of re-installing all my other software, I happened to install Belarc Adivisor and when I ran it, it came up with a different Win7 Product Key than what is shown on the OEM COA sticker on the bottom of the laptop.
What is the reason for this and will either product key work in the future to re-install Windows 7? If for instance, should I decide to re-partition the drive, eliminate the Restore Partition and re-install Win7 x64 from scratch from a Win7 DVD, should I only use the Product Key from the COA sticker? In case anyone is wondering, I have made a complete Toshiba DVD Recovery Set for this system, just in case.
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Satellite P775-S7232
The key that keyfinders come up with is the key used by OEMs during installation. It won't work for activatation.
Magical Jellybean explains it here.
Q: Why doesn't the product key returned match the one on my sticker?
If you purchased your PC with Windows already installed from a large manufacturer such as Dell or HP, it's likely that Windows was installed using an OEM key instead of the actual key for your PC. This saves them (and you) money because it's much more efficient for these large companies to install Windows once and then clone the drive.
-Jerry

Unable to recover Sleekbook 14 from 8.1 issues due to no recovery disk (USB) or product key.

I have a Sleekbook 14 b109 purchased from an ebay reseller preloaded with windows 8.1. Window 8.1 Update has caused many of my preloaded apps to stop working. By utilizing information from the forums, I got the store app working, but most others still don't work. Strangely Office 365 continues to work great. Refresh also does not work. So, I have come to believe I need to restore/reset the PC.
But, I failed to create a 8.1 restore USB (no DVD) after I got the system. I also have been unable to find the product key for my windows software. Even if I had the product key, I wouldn't want to create the recovery media now because of the state of the software. So my question is, what are my options?
Probably the easiest would be to purchase a download version of windows 8.1, reload the PC, and create a recovery USB. Once that is complete, I could attempt windows 8.1 update again. At that point if it messed up again, I would have everything I needed to recover. Looking for suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Hi Ljtinnin,
Thank you for visiting the HP Support Forums and Welcome. I have read your thread on your HP Pavilion TouchSmart 14-b109wm Sleekbook and needing to do a system restore on Windows 8. Here is a link on how to restore Windows 8.
You could also try to call our technical support at 800-474-6836. If you are calling within North America, the number is 1-800-474-6836 and for all other regions click here. They will be able to help.
Thanks.
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Windows 8.1 recovery without recovery disc or product key

Hey!
I own a HP g6-2207sg. After windows 8.1 upgrade and a new set of AMD drivers windows is not starting anymore.
Not in safe mode, not with different starting settings. Recovery points are not working, from 3 restore points (2 automatic 1 critical update (win8.1)) none is working.
I can neither refresh nor reset windows, nor can windows repair the startup (it fails as well).
I dont have my win8 product key, as it is not in or on the g6 and i never read it out when the laptop was still working.
I tried reading it out with the help of several 3rd party tools through command prompt, started from a usb stick, which is not working as there are windows functions missing.
I cant download a fresh .iso of win 8 from windows itself as i dont have the key.
Please help, i dont know what to do anymore and i need my computer for work.
Thanks!
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Hi,
The Windows 8 Image source does have a download limit in place, but it will usually work if you keep trying for a couple of hours. The key will be automatically read from the bios during installation.
I'm not aware of any way you can decipher the encrypted key via the command shell - only from reading its entry from the registry.
Unfortunayely, as with previous operating systems, neither Microsoft or HP will have any record of this key.
Another option would be to order a replacement set of Recovery Discs starting on the link below.
Order HP Recovery Discs.
If you have any problem with this link, order them directly from HP.
If you live in the US, contact HP Here.
If you are in another part of the world, start Here.
Regards,
DP-K
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Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience

Product key Activation after Recovery reinstall on HP notebook

Recently ran a recovery install on my hp notebook to resolve some persistent bugs. New install works great and windows update has downloaded 100's of updates to bring me current. Started to get a Genuine Windows warning pop up and checked the Computer Properties page. Page says that my W7 Home Premium is successfully activated but the product key is showing an OEM code and not the 25 char key on the underside sticker. This W7 HmPrem came preinstalled by hp and I used their RecoveryManager D:\ partition to reinstall. There is no 'Change Product Key' hyperlink on the Computer Properties page.
How can I change the Product key?

Hello Cwulf,
I see that you are having problems with the product key on your HP computer. I have a couple of suggestions that may help you with this issue.
Here is a link to a Microsoft validation link. The link may help correct the issue on your system. Download and run the program and let me know what happens.
If I have been helpful or if you’d like to say thanks you can click the white star under my name to give me Kudos. I really appreciate it!
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Qosmio x300-15r: After recovery windows say: worg/incorrect product key?

Hi guys.
Well this is what happend. When i bought my laptop Qosmio x300-15r I made a recovery cd.
But I lost those cd's and burn another one recovery cd.
Now that i formated my windows with the recovery cd, and I want to log in He give me the
error: wrong product key,. but it's wierd, cause this product key is writting on the back of my notebook
So how can it be worng???
Does someone have a clue??
Greets
Cheng.

Hi
I dont understand.
Toshiba Recovery disk is already activated and there is no option for entering the serial key.
If you use the Toshiba recovery disk you will not be asked to enter any keys!!!
The serial key at the bottom of the unit belongs to the Toshiba installed Windows OS and cannot be used with other Windows versions.

Need product key for windows 8.1 recovery, have only windows 7 key in bios

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windows 7 product key is not in bios, the machine shipped with Win 7 are already activated with Volume License Key. If your machine isn't shipped with Windows 8, then you need to purchase the key yourself.
Regards,
Jin Li
May this year, be the year of 'DO'!
I am a volunteer, and not a paid staff of Lenovo or Microsoft

SLS product key recovery

I've had a problem with my Mini/SL Server boot drive and need to reinstall, but I've also misplaced the product key. I can't boot from the boot disk, but I can mount and read it. Is there a way I can get the product key from the disk to do a reinstall?

Hi
sudo more /pathtomountedvolume/etc/systemserialnumbers/xsvr
sudo cat /pathtomountedvolume/etc/systemserialnumbers/xsvr
Either one will give you what you want. To find the path to the mounted volume simply drag/drop the desired drive into the Terminal window. Complete the command by typing in the rest.
Tony

Product key recovery

Hello
I am new in my organization and the previous administrator did not save a list of product keys. Now I have to document all the system and need to have the product key for each product on the organization.
How can I recover the Exchange 2013 product key?
I have access as administrator to the server.
Really I needed something even for win 2012 and 2008
Thank you and regards
Giuseppe

Hi Joy,
You can try Product Key Decryptor to find out exchange 2013 product key.
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tool can also be helpful to recover exchange 2013 product key.

HP Compaq Presario CQ60-320sa vista product key fade.

Hello help me please- HP Compaq Presario CQ60-320sa
I got HP Compaq Presario CQ60-320sa and the window vista product key is fade. I can read first, second and last.
Now my earlier hard disk got crashed because of bad sector and I have to installed new one which I did now I want window vista product key for activation and the sticker back of my laptop cover is fade can't read all product key. If I download HP- USB RECOVERY FLASH DISK UTILITY does this software let me reset my laptop to factory version and won't ask me for product key. Thank you for your time.

I understand you need a product key.
An HP recovery should have Vista already activated with the product key for the system. Do you have access to recovery media for this system (disks or a USB recovery drive)? If you can perform an official HP recovery, there shouldn't be a need to get the product key off the bottom of the notebook. The utility you mentioned only creates the media from the recovery partition on supported systems. Since the HDD was replaced due to a failure, I am afraid that the flash disk utility will not be of use as the recovery partition is not present on replacement HDDs.
Some users have had success with contacting Microsoft regarding the unreadable product key. They might be worth a try.
According to this page, the HP part number for the recovery kit for this system is 515724-031. You might be able to find the appropriate recovery disk set from a third party ensuring the part number matches. You might want to verify with HP that the recovery disks are not available from HP before using a third party source.
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Can I use product key from Windows 7 32bit to 64bit?

Hi, i have a Toshiba L505-10V and the original cds(2) with Windows 7 prenium 32-bit.
I have downloaded windows 7 prenium 64bit from here http://www.techverse.net/download-windows-7-iso-x86-x64-microsofts-official-servers/
I use the key from 32 bit but it says its not valid. Is it possible to work with the same key?
Also i download belarc to recoginise my 32bit windows key and it shows me different key from that is on the base of my pc.

Hi
According notebook specification your notebook was delivered with preinstalled Win7 64bit Home Premium and you got 32bit version on recovery DVD.
Both recovery versions are designed for your notebook model and both versions contain activation code so that both versions must not be activated.
I presume you didnt create recovery disc for preinstalled Win 7 64bit version.
You cannot use product key listed in 32bit version. If you use own Windows version you must enter valid product key that you must buy from Microsoft.

HP DV6 Laptop - How do I find my Windows 7 Product Key

Model: DV6-1149WM
Product: LW264UAR#ABA
I purchased a new hard drive for my laptop. I want to install a clean version of Windows 7 on this hard drive. The Windows product key sticker is badly worn on the bottom of my laptop and I can only make out a little more than half the characters on it. Where can I find the Windows 7 product key? I tried to use an app to find it but it only finds a generic key since it was an OEM install. Can you please tell me how I can find my product key? I want to do a clean install of Windows 7 on my new hard drive so I don't want to install it from any kind of recovery disk. Thanks in advance for your help.

Fill your pain. You need key finder program. Try The Magical Jelly Bean
Regards,
BBot

I need my product key to enable to activate windows vista home premium and i can't see iton certific

I need my product key to enable to activate windows vista home premium and i can't see it on Certificate of Authenticity label

Once the label is worn, you cannot get another key for free. You are better to order a recovery disc set from HP, then you dont need a key
You can order HP recovery media below, or call HP on the phone to order 1-800-474-6836
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph07143&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en#N76
If HP no longer has Recovery Media for your model, order them here
http://www.computersurgeons.com/Default.aspx

Product Key and install windows 8.1 process on HP 15 TS notebook PC

Hello
I want to reinstall windows on my HP 15 TS Notebook PC, using a DVD with Windows 8.1 from my Desktop PC since i dont have the recovery disks. Is this possible? How can i find out the Product Key since the notebook doesnt have any sticker on it?
Is the procedure as every installation of windows or i need to do anything extra?
thanks in advance

HI @Wildjohn
Welcome to the HP Forums!
It is a terrific place to find answers and information!
For you to have the best experience in the HP forum I would like to direct your attention to the HP Forums Guide Learn How to Post and More
The Windows 8.1 disk from the desktop is it Windows disk or is it a recovery disk you created from the desktop.
If it is a Windows disk you should have a product code with the disk. If it is a recovery disk it will not work.
Although you did not create recovery disk if you did not delete the recovery partition you can recover the original OS using it.
How to Perform an HP System Recovery
If you did delete the recovery partition, I suggest contacting HP support to obtain a recovery kit. The key would automatically be picked up from where it is stored in the bios.
Please call our technical support at 800 474 6836. If you live outside the US/Canada Region, please click the link below to get a support number for your region.
World Wide Phone Support
Good Luck!
Sparkles1
I work on behalf of HP
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I had windows 8.1 but want to go back to windows 8 with clean install"the product key entered does not match any of the windows image available"

I had windows 8.1 and wanted to revert to windows 8 so i by mistake formatted the c:/ drive containing os and now when i try to install windows 8 i get the error "The product key entered..."
And i dont even have recovery image in my pc. I am using a dell laptop and i have windows 8 dvd given by dell which reads" windows 8 recovery media for windows product"
Please guide me asap.

OEM keys are embedded on hardware, you might not need to enter the key in your case. I would suggest you to call Dell support here.
Arnav Sharma | http://arnavsharma.net/ Please remember to click “Mark as Answer” on the post that helps you, and to click “Unmark as Answer” if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading
the thread.

Recovery - Product Key unreadable

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