My laptop died

[winnre]

What a rip off. Cloning a drive is a few clicks then you go back to watching Green Acres. As for recovering the Windows key, you run the free software from www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ and you are done.

[the86d]

What a rip off. Cloning a drive is a few clicks then you go back to watching Green Acres. As for recovering the Windows key, you run the free software from www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ and you are done.

If you do a restore, then JB's-Keyfinder used to only get you a funky-proprietary blanket un-usable OEM preinstall key that works fine, unless you install manually, and didn't used to work with any CD/DVD I ever tried (OEM, Retail, or the funky version M$ sent you if you make an Unlegit => Legit back in XP days). At least that is the way it has worked in the past, as long as the BIOS (or so many hardware devices) didn't change it never asked you to validate.


After getting data:
If you have a Win-key stuck to your device, use the appropriate disc (Home, Home Prem., Pro, Ultimate) and plug that key in...