Vista COA Sticker Present - Product Key Unreadable

[Simmy]

I've got a toshiba laptop in with a knackered hard drive and one well worn out COA sticker for Vista (I can't even tell which version it is). I can't recover any data from the hard drive, so obtaining the product key from there isn't possible. What are my options?

I don't really want to charge them for another license as they've already paid for one. But if I phone Microsoft's product activation and explain the situation, they're not likely to just hand me a new product key over the phone.

 

[K007]

Do phone Microsoft. They may ask for further proof, like proof of purchase or photos of the laptop (back of it with the worn out sticker) but that your best option.

The sticker also has a barcode. If that is readable, make a photo of it and send it to Microsoft, they will decode it and reply with the product key.

 

[Simmy]

Ah, I didn't know that.

The barcode is unreadable (see pic) but hopefully the owners have proof of purchase.

 

[computergeek1]

Ah, I didn't know that.

The barcode is unreadable (see pic) but hopefully the owners have proof of purchase.

Thats well worn, looks like you need to buy a new copy of Vista, try and sell them Windows 7.

 

[OfficerLahey]

how can he sell them windows 7 now when it doesn't get an official release until late october? without installing the RC and then re-loading that to a retail version when the release drops?

i'd reccomend calling MS, explaining the situation, and i'd call toshiba also, see if they can offer you any resolutions. how old is the laptop? looks like it's seen some action with that amount of wear and tear on the sticker!

 

[seedubya]

Don't they have restore media? If so, it should install on the new drive without requiring activation. If not maybe you could order some?

 

[Blues]

Your cheapest option is likely to spend $20-$50 on restore media or contacting MS and see about sending in that photo to get a key.

 

[Canadian Tech]

Talk to Toshiba and order the restore cd's seen this all the time at my previous employer.

 

[14049752]

I think it's ridiculous that this is a problem. It seems like the Vista stickers are wearing off WAY faster than any of the XP stickers did. The XP stickers had a gloss coating, Vista's are just paper.

I've started putting tape over my product keys to prevent this from happening.

 

[K007]

Ah, I didn't know that.

The barcode is unreadable (see pic) but hopefully the owners have proof of purchase.

The barcode looks like a standard EAN.
You will be surprised what barcode scanners can do.
If you have one, just try to scan it. It may come up with the product key.

The bars on the barcode have to be invisible (white) all the length for the scanner not to read it.

Give it a try. Nothing to lose.

Edit.
Or it may come up with a reference number...

 

[NickCat11]

I think it's ridiculous that this is a problem. It seems like the Vista stickers are wearing off WAY faster than any of the XP stickers did. The XP stickers had a gloss coating, Vista's are just paper.

I've started putting tape over my product keys to prevent this from happening.

+1, most of the Vista laptops that I see come in are already worn off. Hopefully they spend the extra pennies for Win 7 stickers.

 

[DohIForgot]

You should see some of the new netbooks coming out. My HP had it's HP Manufacturer stickers worn away within 2 weeks (serial, model, MAC, etc). If you're setting these up for customers, I'd recomend writing down the info or taking pics for them... I don't expect the XP key to fade though.

 

[Mr I]

It clearly says SFA98-ADF98-11DG2L-345NJ-QFMLL

j/k by the serial number you should be able to contact toshiba and obtain that information. Or contact Microsoft and give them the info to prove them that you have a legitimate version but just need the key

 

[computergeek1]

It clearly says SFA98-ADF98-11DG2L-345NJ-QFMLL

j/k by the serial number you should be able to contact toshiba and obtain that information. Or contact Microsoft and give them the info to prove them that you have a legitimate version but just need the key

If that was the correct key, you should of PM simmy it, not displayed it on a open forum.

 

[NickCat11]

If that was the correct key, you should of PM simmy it, not displayed it on a open forum.

LOL, I believe he was kidding around man.

 

[computergeek1]

LOL, I believe he was kidding around man.

LOL, i know he joking, just making him aware you cant post product keys on a open forum, for reasons we all know.

 

[Mr I]

LOL, i know he joking, just making him aware you cant post product keys on a open forum, for reasons we all know.

I know, relax. It's hard to believe that someone will post it or even worst, that someone try it

 

[computergeek1]

I know, relax. It's hard to believe that someone will post it or even worst, that someone try it

It does happen, i have seen it on other forums and this one.

 

[studiot]

I commented in a recent thread that I had several thousand pounds worth of server 2008 COA arrive in a 'ready worn' state from Dell - just like the ready worn and torn jeans.

 

[NYJimbo]

I love it when some dumbass goes to sell a computer on Ebay and shows a bunch of photos of the system, including an upclose of the COA sticker to prove it's legit. Happens all the time.