xp pro restore cd's unusable after format

[FirstTimeLurker]

I certainly goofed trying to reinstall xp pro on a compaq using recovery cds.

I did backup the data files but instead of using the Restore CD first, I put in the OS cd and did a quick format which wiped out everything on the hard drive.

XP pro installation process continued normally until it asked for the 25 digit Product Key which I don't have.

My guess is that I will have to buy an OS as this situation is unrecoverable.

Does Restore CD "know" the product key but simply wipes out the hard drive (format) , allowing for the reinstall of the O/S?

since this Compaq pc is about 4 years old (At least) I don't think they will give me a product key.

no luck? no way to recover with the cd's I have on a blank drive?

 

[Dr Fear]

a lot PC's have stickers with the product key on them. Look on the case? FYI: In the future you can download a free program that will extract your product key.

 

[96 Buff]

You can also call Microsoft to get a product key. I had to do this with one of my older machines recently.