Hi - I have a laptop with a pre-installed Windows. Unfortunately the harddisk has become unusable - I dropped the computer and the disk is damaged. So I can't boot from it, and repair does not work. I want to install Windows on a new disk - but I don't have the Window product key. I understand the key is probably embedded in the bios, but how do I access it if I can't boot to Windows? Thanks!

Without a working computer you  cannot using normal means recover it

OK. Does that mean I'll need to buy a new product key? 

Two things;

1. If Windows was preloaded they usually put a sticker on the laptop or under the battery somewhere that has your product key. If you bought straight from retailer and not from a friend etc, you can call to see if they have that on file.

2. If you have a second system that works you can connect your hard drive and load up the registry from the old drive using the load hive option to find the key. Just make sure you unload the hive before exiting regedit.

Instructions for that here.

Thanks for the suggestions. I bought the machine from a retailer about 2 years ago (there is no sticker with the key). I'll try to contact them, though I doubt they'll have a record of the key. The harddrive is really unusable - I have put it in another machine, and tried to scan it (to save some files), but it really is almost totally screwed. One positive thing: I have learnt my lesson about backups. :-/

• Edited by xdzgor 15 hours 3 minutes ago

If you have the recovery DVD from the manufacturer, it will install and use the product key in the BIOS automatically.

Thanks for the suggestions. I bought the machine from a retailer about 2 years ago (there is no sticker with the key). I'll try to contact them, though I doubt they'll have a record of the key. The harddrive is really unusable - I have put it in another machine, and tried to scan it (to save some files), but it really is almost totally screwed. One positive thing: I have learnt my lesson about backups. :-/

• Edited by xdzgor Thursday, August 20, 2015 4:20 PM

Hi xdzgor,

For an OEM version, it is recommended to ask for help from the device manufacturer. They would have more resources to help you.

Best r