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Is there a product key finder for a PC?
How can an operating system be installed when the installation media is missing?

OK, so I have a Windows Vista... more specifically this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103182 a Acer Aspire AX3200-U3600A Desktop.

I know, I know. Kill me.

Anyway, this computer did not come with a CD key if I recall correcty. I want to reimage it but wouldn't I need the installation CD?

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marked as duplicate by DragonLord, Indrek, RedGrittyBrick, Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007, Renan Sep 21 '12 at 23:32


Are you sure there's no key? Typically on a sticker on the side of the machine. –  Isaac Rabinovitch Sep 21 '12 at 20:22
This is essentially a dup of superuser.com/questions/176306/… –  Isaac Rabinovitch Sep 21 '12 at 20:24
This is not a dupe, see my answer. –  Moab Sep 21 '12 at 23:30

2 Answers 2

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Your Acer has a recovery partition, you can recover it by using Alt+F10 at the bios splash screen.

You can also make your own Recovery Media

Your Support Page

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The previous question How can an operating system be installed when the installation media is missing? appears to only cover Windows 7.

Here's a link on one of Dell's websites that describes a fairly involved process to create a bootable DVD for Windows Vista with SP1. Check is out and advise if this works for you.

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You may want to suggest an edit to the accepted answer to that question instead. –  DragonLord Sep 21 '12 at 20:23
Thank you ... I will ... Do I do that by adding a comment to the accepted answer including the link? –  HeatfanJohn Sep 21 '12 at 20:25
Click on the Edit link below the post to edit it, placing the link and associated text in the most appropriate location in the post. Your edit will be placed into a queue until it is reviewed; I will likely review the edit for you. –  DragonLord Sep 21 '12 at 20:31
Edit approved with some minor changes. –  DragonLord Sep 21 '12 at 20:37
Thank you, I have contacted Acer for a chance they give me new installation CD. –  naknode Sep 21 '12 at 20:44
