Gooday all. I was given a computer a while ago, came with discs etc. I had no further use for it and gave it to a mate. For reasons that are to long to go into we did a clean install and have it back to the stage where it is now asking for the numbers. I tried the ones printed on the disc to no avail. Any ideas what to do next. All help appreciated and thanks in advance. Regards, James.

Hello,

I believe those numbers are the serial numbers. they should be on the install CD or its cover, if not then on the case there should be a sticker which will have a product key which you should be able to use.

hope this helps

nigglesnush85 is correct. The "numbers" your friend is talking about are more than likely the Product Key number used to install Windows. Each key is unique and such not be used on two different computers. The Product Key is a 25 digit alphanumeric number located on a sticker attach to the case of the computer. On older version of 98 and 95 the Product Key is printed on the cover of the EULA manual.
If he has started the install without that number he may not be able to every install that instance of Windows.

Thanks for that folks. It is the 25 digit number that I need. Doubt that I will be able to find it though. All my mate wants the computer for is sending and receiving email and a bit of web browsing, perhaps I could load a copy of Linux. I have a disc from a magazine. Would that do the trick??
Regards, James.

You haven't said you you are trying to install, Win95, 98 or ME, we can't mind read very good.

You are absolutely right, I haven't. Sorry about that, I was buggered when I posted that last night. It's 98.

Im not sure how take that statement
I thought it was illegal.

Yeah, that'd be the pommy comin' out in ya!!!!!!!!!!!!

Download and install Puppy Linux. On most P-II and P-III computers is will be up and running from a broadband connection (DSL, Cable, ISDN,..) in under 10 minutes. Well under 10 minutes if you runit from RAM. That would require 236mb of RAM minimum.
It also has built in dialup.

Thanks for that Acklan. I down loaded that to this computer and now what? It tells me me that windoze cant open the file. Regards, James.

Hello,

To use Puppy linux, download power ISO from http://www.poweriso.com/download.htm then it will let you open the file, insert a blank CD and click burn. then you can boot into linux. make sure that the boot order says CD drive first.

Hope this helps

Thanks nigglesnush58, done that and it looks great. Having a bit of bother connecting to the net. Will have another lap at it this arvo and let you know how I go.