win98se OEM CD-key

Hi,

I have a laptop which IBM wants to charge me $75+gst to get a cd which they did not provide me at the start. Or $100+ to have a preload at a reseller.

Are the cd-keys due to mass production the same on all the machines. Or are machines each have diff cd-keys?? One thing I now regret is I didn't ghost the hidden partition of my HDD which contained the OS install, prior to the HDD failure. I also regret I did not go to the registry and get the cd-key that was used to install my copy. therefore i could use that key and someone else's oem cd.

Since I have a certificate licenses by IBM and on machine but it did not come with a CD which I am refusing to pay. Year 2002 for win98 @ $85NZ incl GST for which I already have a licnese and certificate. Yeah right ..

Pls note I do not want pple to give me a CD-Key.
RC

If I am not wrong, the OEM CD Keys are interchangable. Many moons ago (before Ghost came out) I use the same CD Keys to install, infact I used to memorised them by heart... unfortunately I can't recall it anymore).

if you paid for the os but did not get the cd and you have a m$ cert. authent. Yes you can use your cd key on other win 98 or win98se cd.
cd keys are not locked to perticler cd unlike win xp, which has a different type of anti pirate ar ar
You could always complain higher up if you got ripped off.. But if you have a bios locked OEM cd you 'legally' can not do this with a full retail version cd as the oem cd has a limited license which IBM has to comply to

thanks for the suggestions. in fact i complained already and are waiting for a email reply. if nothing happens a letter would be set to IBM. I am not asking much .. i bought a machine with win98se preloaded, fine! Their cheap HDD died, they replaced good but not good enough. I didnt pay for a win98 licese and then later have to give another $85 bucks for thier lack of workmanship! the least they could of done was preload it free for me (as it was when i paid under the buyer-seller contract).

U bet i complain.

its not bios locked on oem cd. i am using my own win2k now ...

while i am using win2k i still have the right to get my win98se back even if it collect dust in the dust bin.

Dear RC
Ask the vendor who sold you the machine to help you. You have the machine and the reciepts etc - go see them. They know you paid, and are always looking forward to your next purchase.

Its all part of service. I have always found vendors happy to help out.

Stewart

no can do .. bought PC in USA and even with intl warranty. IBM does not let IBM resellers deal with warranties. Everything has to be sent back to IBM Auckland for any work done even if it takes 10 minutes- from one of the resellers in NZL. Some have refused to sell IBM anymore .....

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Enjoy

i'm not taking this. I bought the original windows .. and i demand my own authentic cd key back. if i wanted a warez cd key i did nt need to wait this long for ur reply. could of grab off net 4 years ago!