Windows 98 Certificate of Authenticity

[Leonette24]

I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm helping a friend reinstall her original software that came with her IBM ThinkPad. However, she has misplaced her original paperwork that had the number that has to be entered in order for installation to continue. I was instructed how to retrieve that number before using the recovery CD and thought I captured the right number. I have learned since then that the number that I was instructed to copy down is not the right one. Now I'm in the middle of installation and can't go any further.
Here's my question: Is there some way in this wide world that I can find that number through some other means? I just need to be guided in the right direction, if there is a direction to be guided to. If I purchase a copy of Win98 that has a COA, can I just use that? We registered the computer when we originally bought it. Does IBM have and retain that kind of info? Please help.

Leonette

[Paleo Pete]

IBM might have it, I'm not sure. The only other legal way I know of is to purchase a copy and install that copy. Usually the win98 key codes won't work with different physical CD ROM disks as far as I have been able to find out. At least the one I tried didn't work. It was for a different CD and I thought it was the one I had...no problem, grab the other license...but you apparently don't have that option...I was in a computer shop with several copies, grabbed the wrong license...

------------------
Support the right to keep and arm bears.
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.dreamwater.com/paleopete/computer.htm) has been moved, please update your bookmarks.

[kenja]

I used to hang around the ThinkPad user forum at IBM. For a nominal fee, IBM will send you a new restore disk, as I recall.

(On a different system), I was surprised when the code for a Win98-upgrade-to-SE disk worked with a Win98SE install disk (full retail version).

[mjc]

If it is actually a restore disk then I don't see where it would need the code, so it must be one of those rarer things an actual OS install disk provided by a manufacturer...in which case, yeah, a new one may be in order.

But, before you give up all hope the key may be on a label somewhee on the machine...maybe in the battery compartment.

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[Leonette24]

If I bought a copy of Windows 98 Second Edition with the COA, can I just use that number on the restore disk, or do I have to install this bought copy? And by the way, the disk that I used is a restore disk, at least that's what it says. But I'll look at the battery and see if there's a number there. Right now, I still have the computer on at the screen where you would put in the COA number. If I turn it off, will it start back where it left off?

Leonette