Windows 95 OEM Product Key

I purchased a used notebook computer from a thrift store. The computer has Windows 95 installed on it but it has not yet been setup. When attempting to setup Windows 95, I arrive at the screen that requires me to enter the OEM Product Key, which I do not have. Is there any way to bypass or get around this screen so I can continue setting up Windows 95? The computer does not have a built-in CD-rom drive but does have a floppy disk drive. I am able to boot the computer to the command prompt. I have examined the harddrive's directory and have determined that all the Windows 95 cab files are installed on the harddrive. If I can't bypass or get around the OEM Product Key screen, is there any way to determine what the product key is for this particular installation of Windows 95?
I do have access to an external cd-rom drive if need be in order to install Windows 95 from a cd that has a product key but I would prefer not having to go that route if I can avoid it. All help or suggestions are appreciated.

5. RE: Windows 95 OEM Product Key
lbyard Jul-04-02 00:34 AM
In response to message 0

If it has not been installed and you do not have the key, I know of no way to get the key and very much doubt that there is a way. I know of no way to install it without the key and do not believe there is a way. If both CDs are Windows 95 OEM the keys may be interchangeable, however, there is more than one version of Windows 95 OEM (http://duxcw.com/digest/Howto/software/winver.htm). If anyone posts a Windows 95 key on this forum, it would be illegal and I will delete such a post. Larry

6. RE: Windows 95 OEM Product Key
mcmxli Jul-06-02 12:27 PM
In response to message 5

I solved my own problem. Actually, there really wasn't a problem at all. When I reached the screen that required me to enter the product key, I simply entered the product key from another copy of Windows 95 that I had and it accepted it, allowing me to proceed with setting up Windows 95 (b version).
I had always thought that the product key was unique to each copy of Windows 95 and that product keys were not interchangeable. Seems I was wrong.

7. RE: Windows 95 OEM Product Key
DJ Net2Infinity Jul-06-02 12:50 PM
In response to message 6

Yes, but you just broke federal law. Each copy of Windows must have its own license, hence each copy must be installed using its own product key .... you found a temporary fix but sure enough you broke the law.

9. RE: Windows 95 OEM Product Key
lbyard Jul-06-02 03:50 PM
In response to message 6

Believe my post suggested the solution you found... Larry

10. RE: Windows 95 OEM Product Key
DJ Net2Infinity Jul-06-02 04:13 PM
In response to message 9

LOL

11. RE: Windows 95 OEM Product Key
animam Jul-07-02 03:04 AM
In response to message 10

Brian,
You wouldn't happen to have shares in Microsoft by any chance?, LOL

12. RE: Windows 95 OEM Product Key
DJ Net2Infinity Jul-07-02 04:09 AM
In response to message 11

No, but I do have stock in Red Hat though.

15. RE: Windows 95 OEM Product Key
lbyard Jul-07-02 01:59 PM
In response to message 12

That was one of the biggest mistakes I ever made. In the Spring of 1987 I sold about $20,000 of Microsoft stock and went into business for myself. I also sold Intel and a few other names you would recognize. Larry

16. RE: Windows 95 OEM Product Key
DJ Net2Infinity Jul-07-02 07:18 PM
In response to message 15

Yeah but with the stock market these days, and with Worldcon which is 15 miles from my house .... I will keep my money in the bank

17. RE: Windows 95 OEM Product Key
Jim P Jul-12-02 02:52 PM
In response to message 9

You can get windows 95 with a legal product key, certificate of authenticity, factory sealed, no manual, on EBAY for around $25 US. plus shipping. (Use their feedback system to avoid ripoffs.)
Windows 98se upgrades were going for around $70 last time I looked.
It's also a good place to find a cd rom for your laptop. Jim