Windows OS license and COA info rquired

[bargepole]

Hi, I've bought a Gateway P3 computer (just going to use for back up) that's got Windows 2000 pro installed. There's a COA sticker on the case with product key for Windows ME, no disks came with the PC. My question is what OS disks would I need to buy in order to have back up in case I ever needed to reload Windows on this machine? How does the product key on the computer label tie in with the key on the original disks? Or would the original disk product key be a universal one used by Gateway for that type of PC? TIA

[puzzlesRus]

The COA will relate to the operating system that was in the machine when it was first purchased.

If you download this free application, you will be able to obtain the product key of the Win2K operating system that now resides in your computer :-

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtm l

Do a search in your computer for a folder named OPTIONS.
With a bit of luck, it might be there and will include all of the Win2K setup files. If they are there, suggest you copy them, together with a record of the product key, to an external disc, for future reference.

[bargepole]

Thanks for the reply. Will try your suggestion.
Currently waiting for a ps2-usb adapter so I can connect my keyboard/mouse to the gateway.

[bargepole]

Got the key, found the options folder, 140kb when I looked at the properties.

Double clicking on it reveals a folder called Install,
double clicking that reveals a file called rtu2598.sys.

Is this all I need to copy and will this be enough to reload
win2000pro? TIA

[puzzlesRus]

No. The install folder should contain a CABS folder and within that, numerous cab files and system files. Try doing a search for CABS