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Eek! Don't forget to get Jellybean Keygrabber and grab your Windows OS Key! You can be in a world of hurt if you forget to do that!
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Source: I'm an IT guy and I forgot to grab a key once.
Edit* Link
This is why I always check first and jellybean the key before a reinstall if at all possible.
I really miss the original XP stickers. They were indestructable. I'm pretty sure they went to this paper crap because people were able to lift the keys off the case intact..
I always use Magic Jelly Bean Keyfinder
You can download fully legit Windows7 ISO's from here:
Please note, if you are using a volume key or one you got from MSDNAA or from a school there is little chance you can recover the key.
Magical Jellybean Keyfinder will show your the currently installed product key:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
I was under the impression that keys are tied to a specific version of Windows, and if you d/l'ed an ISO from digitalriver, it has to be the correct version that goes with your key to reinstall/activate properly. An OEM key will not work to activate a full retail version.
easy way is to download http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ it will tell you the windows key. do a google search on the key and you will probably find its a common one. if not, then you can use any windows oem cd and the key it shows for reinstalls.
People frequently sell used computers with pirated or "for demo purposes only" copies of windows. $10 sez he didnt give you a legal copy of xp.
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
>I do my thang and when getting back into the OS it will say it needs to shut down and to save my work and will shut off shortly after.
Then you're doing something incorrectly. Sorry to be blunt about it, but the virus removal game has changed greatly and not knowing exactly what virus you are removing and what tools to use based on the evidence you see, you can easily leave yourself in an unbootable state as you've found.
Edit: You almost never HAVE to do an OS reload (although sometimes it's 100 times easier). Recovery console, PE environment, linux live, or a million other ways to find and replace the corrupt files and registry entries. You just have to know what to look for and know what to replace it with.
If you're just worried about losing the Windows license when formatting, you could use a cd-key recovery program like magical jelly bean (though the free version might not recover Windows 7 keys).
What you're seeing in Properties under My Computer is not a Product Key -- it is a Product ID. You won't be able to use that number to fill in a Product Key. Download and use The Magical Jelly Bean to retrieve your key from the Windows registry.
I used Magical Jelly Bean KeyFinder (free) to figure out our licensing since everything was OEM pre-install and I had no master list of keys/asset tag assignments or even a cohesive collection of software bundles.
It has found all Windows, Office, Adobe, and a couple of other keys/serials.
addl: I can verify it was accurate as I've reloaded a couple of systems taking the KeyFinder results on faith and encountered no conflicts.
Go on the netbook and download and install Magicjellybean. Grab the office key that it shows and email it to yourself. Next, let me know what version of office it is, ie office 2007 home and student, 2010 professional, etc.
> Your incantation is successful. You have summoned: the magical jellybean keyfinder.
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
> But what's this? An interloper has snuck through the summoning portal!
http://ekeyfinder.sourceforge.net/index.php?lang=en&page=about
I've not tried the enchanted keyfinder, but it claims to be a fork of the last open source version of MJB, with an expanded detection set as compared to the current free version of MJB.
First, use Keyfinder to grab the product keys for your OS and MS Office.
Second, download Home premium from Digital River.
Third, download your Ethernet or wireless drivers from Samsung. You will need to download all other drivers (now or later) such as chipset, video, audio, etc.
Fourth, burn the ISO to CD with ImgBurn.
Load it up and boot from CD, then you should be good to go. Once you get it up and running, install your Ethernet drivers, then download chipset drivers and install. Keep checking device manager for any notifications of missing drivers. Once all your drivers are installed, device manager should display no yellow notification symbols.
To access device manager, press Windows key + R, type in devmgmt.msc.
Have you heard about the Magic Jelly bean? You still have to run it on each machine.
Doesn't the laptop itself have a sticker on it with the key code? Are you just trying to record the keys before you image the laptop?
So you installed windows from a purchased disc?
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Then download win7 iso from here.
1) Download Windows 7 .iso here. Make sure you are downloading the same version you have. (Don't worry, this is entirely legal.)
2) Transfer the .iso file onto a USB stick or DVD using this tool
3) Find the Windows 7 key that should be present on the sticker on the bottom of your laptop or the COA certificate that came with the computer; or if that doesn't work use this keyfinder program
4) Write the key down, then boot to the USB/DVD you have created (typically by pressing F11 or F12 when your computer gets turned on). The startup screen will typically say something like "Boot Menu: Press F_", and then follow the prompts to install Windows 7 using your key.
Firstly, download Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder here.
Then download the correct Office .exe here and copy it onto external media.
Then clean install Windows 8 and reinstall Office 2007 afterwards.
You can get Win7 Home premium for 100 on newegg. Seems like XP costs even more...
Try this though: Install magic jellybean and see if you can recover the original key used on the machine. Get ahold of an xp install disk and reuse the key.
I'm not sure what other recovery options you might have if system restore isnt working and sfc is failing. you might try a chkdsk /F and let it run at boot but I think your headed for a reinstall
if this is a reatail copy, you can recover your Windows Key using: magical jellybean KeyFinder
then obtain install media here: Windows 7 ISOs
install it without a cd using: Windows 7 USB Install tool
If its a OEM copy of Windows 7 (it was preinstalled when you bought it) then youll need OEM media but if you can get it in ISO format, you can use the tool above to install it from a USB key.
If you've already upgraded that system to W10, just do a clean install using the ISO available from Microsoft. You must upgrade online once to get the "right" to reinstall. Go to MS, upgrade if need be, but first use Windows 10 Media Creator to download the 10-586 version 1115 (Nov 2015) ISO, save to drive (for later use) and then use Rufus to create a bootable USB or a DVD. Both the upgrade and the Media Creator are available on the same page. Don't forget, though; use Magic JellyBean to print out your install key for use during reinstall.
After a successful upgrade and/or reinstall, use O&O Shutup to control what personal data Microsoft steals from you.
O&O ShutUp10 - FREEware - Requirement: Windows 10
O&O ShutUp10 means you have full control over which comfort functions under Windows 10 you wish to use, and you decide when the passing on of your data goes too far. Using a very simple interface, you decide how Windows 10 should respect your privacy by deciding which unwanted functions should be deactivated.
In the past I have used: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
to retrieve the key currently in use to reinstall people's machines if their license key is no longer legible
when it comes to activate it may kick up a stink, I usually try:
1) Enter the same key again [select the option to enter a new key... but just enter the same one] <-- this usually works 2) Call the automated number for a phone activation code <-- has never failed me if option 1 did.
Good luck :D
For what it's worth, if you need to recover CD keys and whatnot, I've had decent results using Magical Jelly Bean Finder. It checks through the registry to get your keys for you.
Well good luck with that, otherwise back up your laptop manufacturer drivers folders, and use something like this to find the product keys http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Then see figure out how to get/borrow a dvd with the same version of Windows. (Legit, or not legit)
This website is handy in finding the not legit versions, since it tells you the names of the iso files you'd be looking for. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/downloads/default.aspx
You can use any of the following programs to get the key.
Once you get that key, download the same version of Windows 7 that you have, and do a fresh reinstall.
MS Office is generally not included with new computers, and it is quite expensive. Most people remember buying it.
You can use a tool like KeyFinder to find the keys of installed software so that you can reinstall it after you reload the OS. Keep in mind, some licenses (keys) can only be used with some install media (disks/downloads).
Scroll a bit down to find completely legal download links
Use this to find your current product key
A bit of googling goes a long way as for antivirus I like to use avast
you can clone it and move everything like /u/wilso10684 said or you can use jilly bean to grab the product key off the current hard drive and use it when installing windows again on the new drive
Yeah, sure. I can't read Danish, but I'm sure google translate will get me by.
You may be able to use this to retrieve the key. I haven't used it on anything newer than Windows XP so I can't guarantee it will work.
If you are absolutely worried about people stealing your information, I would get a copy of DBAN on a CD and boot to it. This will erase your drive and make sure nothing is recoverable.
Do you know how your friend did it? Did you purchase windows? If you still have the CD for it, install it using that.
If not, find the key by using Magicjellybean. This will tell you your key and the version of windows 7. Write this down somewhere NOT on the computer.
Then download the correct version of windows 7 here. Burn that to a DVD or flash drive and boot to it. Reinstall windows, install drivers and update it. Then it should be good to sell.
Best place would be Craigslist. No shipping and no tax.
I didn't read your argument with jitendragarg but in case your problem is still not solved, use The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder to find out your Windows 7 product key from the computer it's currently installed on.
Check out Magical Jellybean Keyfinder to get your current Office key, and then you can download the retail iso torrent if you don't have your install media.
> Many people are saying that cloning drives does not do a decent job of moving the OS.
if it's moving from one computer to another, you may encounter some problems. if it's on the same computer, aside from the bloat of the previous install, you should be fine
most laptops come with a program to make the install disks, you can just use that...
if you don't have the install disk or can't find the program, just download the ISO from somewhere. Just be sure to download and use the exact same version as you have on that laptop or else the key will not work.
if you can't read the key under the laptop, use this
This could have been caused by several things ranging from malware to updates installed wrong. If you have already tried to fix the issue (which it looks like you have), I would just reinstall Windows and be on your way.
First, do a quick hard drive test to make sure nothing is going wrong there. I doubt that there is, but it does not take a lot of time but can save a lot of time if it is actually bad. It depends on what type of hard drive is in your computer to know what the best hard drive test is. Most brands have their own tests that you can get.
Second, back up all of your data that you want. Applications can't easily be backed up that I know of, so just worry about your music, movies, pictures, etc. The easiest way to do this is to get a flash drive or external drive and just copy and paste the stuff over. If you have any software that you had to get a serial number to use (Microsoft Office, Photoshop, etc), you'll need the serials for them. This software my favorite way to do that. You should save these all in a file in your external drive as well as on a sticky note somewhere. This way, when you reinstall any software, you'll already have the keys handy and not have to deal with their customer service.
Fourth, see if you have a recovery partition. Most HPs do. Boot from it and start reloading! If you do it this way, you'll have all of the drivers and won't have to hunt them down.
Last, what I always do when I install a fresh OS is use Ninite to install all the software that I want, install Ccleaner to uninstall all the bloted software that HP put on your computer, and create a system restore point. To create a restore point, type "create restore point" in the Windows menu and read what it says to do.
Hope that helps! If you have any questions, let me know!
If it's OEM. The Product Key will be different to that of the one on the sticker. Use a product like Magical Jelly Bean KeyFinder to get your real Product Key.
Then download an official Windows 7 SP1 ISO and use that to format and re-install.
I've not needed it myself, but I've heard good things about this program
The key is also probably on a sticker on your computer, if it's store-bought.
You dolt. Had you come to us beforehand, you would have learned about a fun little program called key finder. Then it wouldn't have mattered if the sticker was unreadable or if it had been launched into orbit.
Emulators and other programs that do not require installing should work without a problem as long as it is compatible with windows 7. As far as the files associated with other games, it comes down to knowing where game save/profile files are located and where they need to be put back again after the game is installed on the new OS. It varies game to game, doing some research on Google beforehand will make things much easier.
Office might be a bit harder. Legally, your best bet if the original is legit would be to use a tool like Magical Jelly Bean KeyFinder, the free version will work, and importing the XP registry to get the office cd-key. Once you have the version/key finding an iso should not be too hard if you know your way around the internet. Or you could switch to something opensource/free like LibreOffice.
As a couple of people have pointed out in this thread, you can download a disk, but you still need the Product Key.
If you cannot find the product key, you can use a program called a key extractor. Here is one such tool:The Magical Jelly Bean Key Extractor
So,
* first go to a legal site to download a copy of Windows Pro.
* Download and run a key extractor program. & write down the product key.
* reinstall using the Windows Pro copy & register it using the key you extracted.
For an improvement in speed, remove the excess programs from your start up menu. You should only have your firewall (only needed if you don't have the Windows 7 firewall) and antivirus (Microsoft Essentials is a great free one). I would agree with the others that you should download and install (CCleaner)[http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner] for this.
If you decide to format your hard drive I would suggest you take this opportunity to replace your drive with a faster, cheaper one, buy an enclosure case for your old hard drive (less than $10 at Fry's or Microcenter) and then you can copy your data to the new drive after installing windows. Faster bigger drives are very cheap now. Check Fry's or Microcenter sales for those also.
Since you don't have a windows disk, before doing the above, download the (Magic Jelly Bean)[http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/] program to obtain your windows key. Then you can either borrow a disk from someone else that has the exact type of Windows you have or download it from Pirate Bay and use your key to make it legit. Then you will have a clean legal copy of Windows on a faster, bigger hard drive. I did this myself using Piratebay without any trouble what-so-ever.
- Back up everything you need
- Delete the partition (you can do this in your Linux installer; it should be pretty obvious, for example here is the relevant Ubuntu install option "Erase disk and install Ubuntu")
One thing I always do before a wipe is save the Windows serial key since it can be used on another PC. If you don't know it, you can use Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder.
As for the CD Key, try this program.
The free version does not support as many programs as the paid version, but I've used the program multiple times so I know that it's a safe way to find out what your cd key is. I can't guarantee it's going to find the program in the free version though, haven't used the program that much.
As for publisher, I'll have to look around and see if I can find a copy somewhere. I just checked my application store at work and didn't see one, but I will look online in one of my online stores and see if I can't find a version I could get to you.
the one i used, note that you can only use the key for the version provided, I got a tutorial how to get to the correct version through upgrade/downgrade here.
It's silly IMHO to clone an already dying drive that's probably fragmented all to hell and is just going to be as slow if you straight clone it (and that's if it'll even let you before it dies completely). What I would do is grab a copy of Jellybean Keyfinder and get your Office and MS license off the computer then reinstall Vista fresh. Now since it is a prepackaged Dell/HP/whatever it may not let you, in which case I would contact the manufacturer and get a restore disc, shouldn't be more than $15 to have them send you one.
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
Don't you own a 32 bit Vista license from the other laptop? Don't know exactly how that works, but they tend to have the key printed on the bottom.
You can use that key to install a legal version in a VM!
Download a Vista 32 bit ISO and use the key from the old laptop! If you can't find it physically on the computer, there are programs to extract it. I'll look some up and post them in an edit.
edit:
First google result: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Second google result: http://www.walkernews.net/2007/05/02/extract-and-recover-windows-vista-product-key/
edit 2: I know on the MS website, you can register your product key with your login and download a legal ISO. Maybe you can do that with Vista? I'm not to sure.
edit 3: This is the MD5 for the Vista 32 bit ISO: 22486e815a38feffd9667317dfeec55a
I'm assuming that you're looking at a small shop setup, no volume licensing or anything from the sounds of it. Maybe 10-20 PCs?
My suggestion is to perform a network install of Windows 7. You can slipstream a install with the latest updates, share it out off another computer and use Windows PE discs (or PXE for some setups), to kick off the installs.
This will let you re-install all the machines at once, without having to bring them all back to your office, and if you choose too, you can customize the Windows 7 installation first as well (install the latest updates, etc) so you save another step later on. I don't suggest doing the bulk of the install during the day, since it'll take a lot of network bandwidth, so you might want to use the Automated Installation Kit for this. It can be found at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5753 .
There are few ways to do this as well - I suggest finding a guide you like and trying that. There's a few around like : http://superuser.com/questions/42263/how-to-install-windows-7-from-the-network
You'll still have to check the machines to make sure they have all required drivers afterwards, given your mixed setup, but you shouldn't hit too many issues with a standard Windows 7 install to work from.
If you're working with less than 7-10 machines, you're probably best off just installing Windows from disc, though.
Also, you might want to run this: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ first, on each machine to get the Windows licence keys (and possibly Office) so you can re-install things later.
Good luck!
Yep.
You can try using Windows Product Key Viewer to extract your key in case you have to do a complete reinstall.
Or this.
If you still have the laptop running you could use a program like MagicJellyBean to grab the product key off there.
When you purchased online it should be linked to the account you used, Check this page here.
You need the activation key, so download Magic Jelly Bean, a keyfinder utility, and record your Windows key. Then, go straight to Microsoft for the ISO. This is all you really need.
What matters is whether it's an OEM or Retail copy of Windows. Do some reading to learn the differences. If you're not sure what you have, Magic Jellybean Keyfinder will find your product key for you. If you have a retail copy, it will report your CD key as what looks like a valid key. In this case, you can transfer for sure. If you have an OEM key, the finder will report your CD key as BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB. In that case, you can't transfer to a different PC.
Also, here are some instructions on deactivating your key on one PC and activating it on another.
Do you have the product key for your Windows installation?
Once you have your key you should be able to do a fresh installation using a Windows 8 ISO burned to a blank DVD.
No it wouldn't be attached to the computer. It would be attached to the software sleeve of the disk. You can download this "free" program to search your hard-drive for product keys. You might luck into finding it.
Link to download KeyFinder:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
And yeah, you should be fine reinstalling with the same key. If you bought an OEM copy, the only reason you would possibly have problems reusing the key is if you swap out your motherboard after the initial activation.
It may or may not be possible.
Since it is a prebuilt, there is a good chance you can't reuse it. But I think it is sometimes possible. I am not sure.
You can use a program like Magical Jelly Bean to try to retrieve the Windows key from the registry (http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/)
You could then make a bootable USB drive with the Windows 7 installation ISO on it, and then try to use the key to install it on your new rig (as you would any time you want to install Windows without having the CD).
But I have no idea if it will work.
More than likely it either won't work at all, or once you try to activate it, it will tell you to call Microsoft support. You can then lie to them and say your motherboard died and so you bought a new one from eBay and are trying to reinstall Windows. They may then activate the new copy of Windows.
But maybe I'm just giving you false hopes. Sorry about that.
Grab every driver ahead of time, and either burn to disc or USB drive. Go straight to the manufacturers website, don't bother with any software that claims to "find all your drivers", they never do. Be sure to physically look at the Windows Authentication sticker, make sure you can see every digit. If it has peeled off/rubbed off, get Magic Jelly Bean to pull this activation code before you power down. The ethernet/network controller driver(s) would be especially useful to have ahead of time.
In my experience you need to use a brand specific Windows installation disk in order to use the key that's currently on her computer. In other words if it's an HP computer you'd need to find an HP Windows 7 disc in order for her Windows key to work.
My favorite key finding tool is Magical Jelly Bean: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ The free version will work just fine for you.
If you were able to get the brand specific reinstall disc it probably won't even ask you for a Windows key - they're volume licensed and it just verifies your laptop brand through the BIOS.
If I was you I would probably search Ebay or a torrent site for a brand specific disc.
You can use RecoverKeys to get your product key.
Edit: I remembered the wrong name. It's actually magic jelly bean finder.
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
That will help you to recover your Windows product key before you reinstall.
I would recommend a reinstall of Windows then. Very easy to do. Just back up what you want to keep to external media of some sort. Flash drives, external hard drives, and partitions all work fine. Next, if you are unsure of your Windows serial, download a program like KeyFinder. This finds your serial where it is saved in the registry. Write it down or save it somewhere safe. Next download a copy of Windows that matches your current installation (if you provide me with your current version, I can find you a link). After that, simply burn the .iso to a disc, or create a bootable USB drive using the .iso and Microsoft's USB Download Tool. Insert the bootable media into your computer, and boot from it.
What they do is make sure there is a pre-existing OS installed to upgrade.
You can save the key if you can't find it any more, just use:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
It grabs the key for you and you can save it.
They DO give you a key when upgrading from whatever to Windows 8 Pro, this you'll have via email or however you purchased it.
If you can't upgrade the ram, you might as well just wipe the entire computer, especially if it's virus-ridden. Search support website and download drivers for wifi/internet and what ever else looks appropriate and save that to a USB (you will thank me for that later...) . If it's virus-ridden don't plug in a USB into that laptop, treat it as death!
I used to use this program to help save all the CD keys of programs installed: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
that way all you need is a windows xp iso, and you'll legally be able to re-install the OS and anything else without an issue.
What else do you plan to do with the laptop?
you can always install linux (ubuntu) if you just need something light and basic internet and document-processing. Just make sure you save those CD-KEYS!
with a laptop, you can turn it into a server or something. This has been one of my to-do projects, just never had the time to do it...
or even a media computer plugged into a TV or something using XBMC
Also 1GB RAM, i would defiantly NOT install windows 7
if you put the key in the new computer at the time of the install it will remember it. If you dont have the key anywhere, your outta luck, You might be able to boot up the old harddrive and run a tool like jellybean keyfinder on it to see if it can find the old key?
They probably just deleted the user's account. But, really, if you want it to run like new again, it's best to reformat. You can always use free applications like Google Docs or OpenOffice. Or, you could use magical jellybean keyfinder to get the Office product key.
What's the brand? Some laptops (for example dell) have OEM activation and don't need a key for reinstall. However, don't count on it. Backup all your stuff.
- Write down your product keys for windows and office. Use http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ Office probably has a product key even though you didn't have to type on in.
- Get your hands on an OEM windows 7 reinstall media. Google is your friend. Get the same version as you have now (i.e. home premium)
- For Office, I don't know quite how to proceed either, but I know there are ways to actually backup the activation state and restore it on a new install. Same goes for windows. Do you have any more information about your office installation?
- Worst case, you have the key from magical jelly bean and just give microsoft a call to activate. This usually works even if activation via the internet failed.
I can do you one better here is a link. Haven't tried the paid version yet, but I'm sure it is pretty awesome.
>I hereby love you. <3
No need to thank me, the love of a family is more than enough
You can grab a Win 7 ISO from the pirate bay, use this guide to make a bootable flash drive http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2009/12/-the-usb-flash-drive.ars, and make sure you grab your Windows product key with this http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ before you start the reinstallation.
More than likely with the new mobo you will need a new windows install... All your drivers will be different.
Do you have a budget for all this?
You can try magic jellybean to recover your key from your current windows install
One idea would be to pull the Windows key currently in use using a tool like Magical Jellybean Keyfinder: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Take that key, and then download the appropriate Win7 ISO, ....
Run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor before you go and reinstall. Make sure all of your peripherals, etc. are detected. Be sure to look under the 64-bit tab, which is the version you should probably install.
(Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor: http://windows.microsoft.com/upgradeadvisor )
It will tell you if there are any known issues with your printer, etc. with Windows 7 and the solutions to those problems ahead of time.
Windows XP to Windows 7 upgrade requires a fresh installation, so go ahead and back up your files first.
If you use an e-mail program, be sure to export your mail, address book, calendars, etc. so that you can get them set up again.
Just for the sake of doing so, run the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder to collect any keycodes you can and print them out/save them. (Found here: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ )
Go ahead and collect the CDs/DVDs for any software you need to reinstall and find their keycodes. If you can't find the keycodes, especially for software made by smaller software companies, go ahead and contact them and see how you can easily transition your software to Windows 7. They may be able to use a tool to retrieve your software keycode/license that can only be run on a live system that has the program installed.
You do not need windows discs to reinstall, and you can do it legally as well. You simply need to use
Magic Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
This program will allow you to find your windows license key. With that you can legally download an ISO image of windows and install it. When it asks for your serial key you give them the number that keyfinder told you. Completely legal.
Or if you haven't removed it, and it hasn't been worn off, your serial sticker for windows should be on the bottom of your laptop (sometimes hidden under the battery compartment). This would remove the need for keyfinder.
As stated above once you have the serial key you are good to go. Just download an ISO of the correct version of windows. I can not provide links for times sake, use google. A fresh install of windows fixes most issues, and this would be my suggestion seeing as how you seem to have tried everything else.
Good Luck!
Well, in terms of software itself, I can't think of what programs you would use off the top of my head.
Hardware wise, I know what I'd probably do. Primarily, I'd figure out what the best program to do this with is, but that's probably on Andrew's USB Fixit stick. I wouldn't let the harddrives run any more until after you've done the freezer trick.
After you've done the freezer trick, I'd put 'em on an external bay and see if you can extract any of that information, and try and get as much data as you can as quickly as possible.
You can find out the license number of the Windows machine you're on by using a freeware program, such as the Magic Jelly Bean Keyfinder http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ Usually this works for me, do neither of your laptops have stickers with readable Windows COA's? It's a problem I run into at work all the time.
If reinstalling Xp make sure to retrieve the Proper key. On systems with Xp installed the key will be located in: my computer/ properties or your registry. Use the following program. extremely simple.
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
edit:... The product key from another machine will not work as Microsofts validation software will recognize a different value generated by said machines hardware and mb.
Are you using the key from the sticker on the Win7 jewel case?
When in doubt, I always check the OS key on the current install (prior to formatting/installing) using this tool: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
For your purpose, just use the free version of Magical Jelly Bean. The free version is only really good at telling what the product keys you have are, which is perfect in your case.
The keys are not tied to the architecture (x86 vs. x86_64). For primary PC, just reinstall windows and use your existing key.
If you need to recover your existing key, use Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder