Activating fresh install on preinstalled OEM laptop

[whs]

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.

 

[gimno]

It was on the damaged disk. I could try to get it, but it would be more work than it's worth.

 

[whs]

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.

 

[gimno]

I backed up the files before I wiped it. It was failing, but it hadn't completely quit working yet.