BLARGH!!! Why must HDD fail right before homework is due???

[AmEv]

Here's the jist of it:


I went to Toshiba's site, looking for recovery media.


It says lappy had XP home previously installed on it.



Hey, what do you know? I have an OEM reinstall of XP Home in my garage.

I install Home succesfully. I'm typing on lappy right now.

"Invalid license key"

What?!?


I'm unable to put in my key because the sticker was peeled off.

So MS tries to sell me Win 7. OUT OF THE EQUATION; 7 IS TOO FRlKKIN MUCH! $150 for the OS? (Now I know why some people call MS Money Sucker.)
(end of rant)

So I look at options otherwise. It says either put in your code or contact us.
http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/#tab4

My question is, what should I say? It is a Toshiba laptop, and I know that it has a valid license builtin? Or what?
Definitely NOT show them this thread, though.

[Fuganater]

Use the same key you had on it. If it does not validate call MS and say you are reinstalling due to a filed HDD. They will give you a new code. 15 minute process.

[AmEv]

I received it without the key/code/sticer. That's the problem.

The sticker was clean peeled off. Probably because the numbers wore off, so they saw no use of it staying on.

I will try saying it was a failed HDD.

[Cale_Hagan]

check your pm's.