Lost the Windows COA sticker. How to get cd-key back?

I heard that you can use the cd-key on the bottom of the laptop to activate a retail version of windows. So I did clean install on my x200t and when I looked down to get the cd-key, the windows COA sticker was missing. I think that when I sent in the laptop for repair, they replaced the bottom panel without moving the sticker over.
So far this is the chain of telephones I have tried: Warranty -> Microsoft -> back to Warranty -> Sales -> Technical Support. The last of which told me it was impossible to use the cd-key from the COA sticker to activate a retail version of windows, and they refused to do anything else for me.

So I have three questions now:
1) Is it indeed possible to use the cd-eky from the COA sticker to activate windows? and if it is
2) What should I do now to get back the COA sticker or the cd-key on it?
3) I have the original cd-key from the original image, but when I tried to use it, it wouldnt work.

 

1: yes it is I do it all the time
2: you are pretty much buggered here bit if it is XP home send me a PM
3: the embedded OEM key in your origional image will not match the one on the bottom as it it is easier for the OEM's to have a single master disk for a series and not use the CD key on the bottom.

 

OEM serial number can be used to activate both retail and OEM install of Win 7 or Win Vista. But this is not possible for the XP OS.

 

i am trying to activate windows 7

i think i am just going to try to get the activation file out from the original image and copy it over like in the clean vista install guide. hopefully that will work

 

Are you trying to activate the same sku that came with the machine? If so, you should be able to provide enough information to microsoft in order to get the machine activated again.

You will likely need the original serial number, model number, windows sku, machine name at activation, approximate activation period before the hardware replacement, etc.

If you can't get that resolved and have all of that information, let me know via private message.

 

What I like to do when I have a machine along with XP CD is to use the key that came with the CD to install XP, which comes with a 30 day trial. Then XP's activation program allows to change the key before activating, which can then be changed to the COA key and activated. I've done this many times and it's never failed to activate. I don't know maybe it's different with a downgrade key. Worst case is you'll have to call Microsoft and explain the situation.

 

I am trying to activate my own retail copy of windows using the cd-key on the COA sticker on the bottom of the laptop. However, the sticker has been lost, and I want to somehow get back the cd-key.

Technical support told me that the cd-key on the bottom is an OEM retail key, and would be useless unless I have a OEM version of windows, it does not matter if I have the COA key anyways. Is there any concrete evidence from lenovo that I can use that cd-key to activate windows, because that is whats preventing me from getting any further in technical support.

 

the problem is that when they replaced the base, they forgot to transfer the license key sticker. So basically the depot stuffed up the repair process, you should file a complaint.

you can call Microsoft up and directly inquire with them. There was article in the Microsoft official forum about this, you could also ask the forum moderator at Microsoft. Answers Home Page

 

As part of making sure I collect everything before switching to a larger HD I have taken a digital photo of the bottom of my computer and printed it. This thread got me to thinking that might be a good thing to do when getting a new computer and putting it with any other paperwork that you are keeping regarding that computer!

I know this won't help the OP with the current problem; but . . . for future reference.

 

Now that I think about it, I would contact lenovo about this issue. If there is no COA on the bottom of the machine or inside the battery bay (new location), then Lenovo has accountability for providing the new COA.