Activating fresh install on preinstalled OEM laptop

gimno said:

So you're saying it gave you the COA key? Too bad I didn't see that because I didn't save the file.

Can you retrieve the file (e.g. from shadowstorage) or was it only on the damaged disk.

If you have an enclosure (or another desktop with an open bay), I would try to attach the dmaged disk to that system. Maybe you can at least retrieve your files - e.g. with a live Linux CD.