Hello there I was just researching other info and came across your discussion.
A silly question but did you purchase the pc or laptop on a credit card that
covers losses like visa/mastercard does for everything? Its worth a look
into as for example they tell me they cover damages losses extend warranties
etc.
Upon getting another pc or laptop up and running....
My fathers laptop was stolen from the farm and thats all that was
taken-figure that out while he's out for a bite to eat? We got him to get a
program that traces the pc laptop www.lojackforlaptops.com. We understood it
tracks the laptop -so its on the new pc or laptop and who ever takes off with
it somehow is traced via the software company lojack/police ...there is a
trial with most pc's and laptop's but people do not stop and slow down and
read the information appearing -upon startup most times and miss out on
"helpful" software.
Just trying to help,
Jen A
Waterloo ON Canada.....hope the weather stays warm! : )
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"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

Inline

Phil wrote:
My son's PC was stolen along with all the software. I'm trying to find
out
if I have to buy everything again.

Yes, unless your insurance covers some of it.

Does anyone know Microsoft policy on
this?

No.

It was an HP PC so with OEM Windows XP home. I have no disks - only a
record of the product key. I guess I just have to buy a new licence.

At minimum, yes.

Also do MS keep a record of stolen product keys? Not sure if this would
stop the thief from using the PC?

Nope. Probably not.