Member Avatar for turnersg

Hello,
I just purchased Microsoft Vista at Circuit City. When I went to install there was NO DVD and only one half of the product key. Circuit City will not reimburse me, or exchange for something else. Need the software/key legally. I’d like to find a full download and figure out what the other half of my product key is. Is there an easy way around this expensive problem. Thanks!!! Sherri

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A short, practical checklist to recover missing Windows media or a partial product key, plus things to prepare before calling support. Several posters here (notably and ) reported good outcomes with official channels; the steps below focus on what to gather and how to avoid delays or risky workarounds.

Start by identifying the license type (Retail, OEM/preinstalled, or Upgrade). Look for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker on the PC, the original box UPC/label, or the retailer receipt. If the machine still boots, extract the installed key from the registry with a reputable recovery tool (only download tools from their vendors). Photograph any tampered packaging or partial labels so you have clear evidence.

When you contact the vendor or Microsoft, have the following ready: proof of purchase, photos of the packaging/COA, the partial key you do have, and the exact edition (Home/Pro/Ultimate). Retail and OEM routes differ: OEM keys are usually tied to the hardware and the PC maker may supply recovery media; retail keys are handled by Microsoft. If official replacement media isn’t available for an older OS, ask the support rep for lawful download or recovery options rather than using torrents or key generators.

Do not use cracked ISOs or keygens — they are illegal and often carry malware. For official guidance and to start a support request, see Microsoft Support (https://support.microsoft.com/) and the Microsoft software-download hub (https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/). Keep a safe copy of any replacement media and document the transaction for future proof.

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Member Avatar for cguan_77

hmm...i think you better force them to get what you wanted..hehehe..as far as I know you cannot find a legal key here on the web....

Member Avatar for Suspishio

In this case legal = lawyer. We assume you've got the purchase receipt.

Member Avatar for turnersg

Microsoft parts replacement fixed my problem. They're sending me a new copy Microsoft Vista Ultimate in the mail with a new key. I figured they hassle me, but not at all. 1800-360-7561 Microsoft Help Number. Hope this helps someone else out there. Sherri

Member Avatar for turnersg

Hello,
I just purchased Microsoft Vista at Circuit City. When I went to install there was NO DVD and only one half of the product key. Circuit City will not reimburse me, or exchange for something else. Need the software/key legally. I’d like to find a full download and figure out what the other half of my product key is. Is there an easy way around this expensive problem. Thanks!!! Sherri

BTW, Circuit City never reimbursed me. They accused me of taking the software. Good thing they went out of business or I would have followed through with them if you know what I mean.

On a positive note, Microsoft came through for once. I called and told them my scenario and they sent me a new package of software. NO QUESTIONS. They even included a 64 bit version (I did not need or purchase from Circuit City).

Member Avatar for jwenting

Microsoft support are some of the best in the business, especially when it comes to issueing replacement disk sets and other essentials to customers.
I've never had them NOT come through in fact, the only time they couldn't help me was when my Outlook database was corrupt beyond repair, but even then they at least tried (and at no cost too, despite me not having a paid support contract with them).

Member Avatar for altuin

They also helped me a lot of times as I called them on behalf of some of my clients as they had problems.

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