Way OT: Trying to restore computer to factory settings

[kllrbee]

Hey Guys,
Im not too great with computers. I mostly use it just for internet stuff.
I was hoping someone on here could give me some help.

I have Windows Vista Home Premium. It was preinstalled when I bought the laptop (Dell studio 1536). Ive had it for over 3 years. The other day, i went to log in and it asked me for a the Windows product activation code, like when u first install a microsoft program. I dont have it. The sticker is not on the computer and the code is nowhere in my paperwork.
So I went to a product key retrieval website named jellybean magic or something and got it. I entered it and it still wouldnt accept it saying there is an error with licensing.
I called microsoft and they said that since it was preinstalled, they couldnt do anything for me. I called Dell and they said Im out of my warranty, but they could sell me a new activation key for 150. Hhaha....I dont think so.
I can still get into safe mode and I was going to just restore to an earlier point, but it says no points are created and cannot be created in safe mode.

So....I figured I would save whatever I have onto a flash drive and do a full system recovery as I still have all the reinstallation discs.

I cannot figure out how to do that. I have read online that I press F8 to get to advanced boot options and then click on repair computer. But that option is not there. I also tried it with the reinstallation disc in and its still not there.

I know this is really not appropriate for a vintage baseball card website, but it seems like there are some knowledgeable guys here, so Im wondering if anyone can help me out.

Thanks alot for any and all help!

[Ronnie73]

Even if you are able to reinstall Vista, it will still ask you for a Windows key. The restore option from the disk I believe is only on the full versions and not the oem disks that come from dell. If you don't find an answer and feel comfortable doing a clean install of Vista, which would include reformating the hard drive, doing the install, running windows updates for a few hours, loading your audio and wireless drivers back in and also any other programs you originally had, let me know. I can send you a DVD disc that will get you back up and running again.

Ron

[mcap100176]

Try Belarc Advisor to look for the key:

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html#tips

It will be about halfway down the page.

[kllrbee]

Thanks guys,
I downloaded belarc and it gives me the same key that the other website did.
I enter it exactly as written and it does not accept it. Error message continues to pop up.

So...everything is there, its just not allowing me to use the product key that I have. Btw, I was ffinally able to access the full system recovery page, but I cannot restore to factory settings, cuz I already did it once before. I was unaware it was a one time shot. I tried reinstalling with OEM disc, but that leads me right back to where I started....product activation key.

So, Ive decided that I am going to do 1 of 3 things...
1) buy a new and updated version of windows.
2) buy a new laptop (Its been over 3 years, could be time for an upgrade)
3) talk my union into providing me with a new laptop (I do about 2 hours a month of union work in which I need a computer. Im the treasurer of our local, so its all number crunching stuff)

Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.

[FrankWakefield]

Before you go on a buying spree... go check out OpenOffice.org .