The key on your current setup can be found. An app like this one:

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

can dig up most keys used.

Here is an article on CD keys and how to find them:

http://www.petri.co.il/quickly_retri...ows_cd_key.htm

If you lost your CD you could get into problems if you are using an upgrade version of Windows in the future.

Thanks, Scott! I'll file this away for future use, which hopefully won't be necessary. :)

This will make it on my hit list too. Thanks!

BTW - PT, have you seen annoyances.org? A decent windows "bug" site.

I haven't. I'll check it out, thanks.

Also, re: key recovery, I use a program called Aida, which is a general diagnostic program that provides all sorts of system information. One of the things it will do is list the registration keys for all licensed software present on the system.

Just reading this story made my blood pressure rise. Microsoft, ICCs, inane windows instructions - don't get me started!

Unfortunatly for you, the fact that you were able to get your system up and running pretty much precludes you from filing a lawsuit, because you have no damages excepting some lost time.

Had you been unable to reach someone to fix the problem, I think you would have had a nice breach of contract lawsuit against Microsoft for failing to provide working software. Though I suspect that you would find all sorts of loopholes and no doubt an arbitration provision if you read the user license agreement (which you clicked "yes i agree" when you installed the product initially).

Microsoft certainly has the right to protect its intellectual property. But various state laws prohibit sale of defective products, and I think the product would qualify as defective if a reasonable person cannot install it as indicated on the box. However, the problem is the lack of significant damage - you wouldn't be able to collect anything beyond a refund. But if the problem affects a large # of consumers, then class action would be the way to go.