(Re)installing PC Tools Software Because I Messed Up

[short sentences]

Okay, so I was fixing a lady's computer, and I sort of messed up. I went on and did what I would have done myself without of asking first, and now I don't want to pay out of my own pocket to fix it.

I was supposed to install some things she had been complaining were not installing. Windows updates including SP3 for XP being one of them. I set up the computer, and sitting there on the desktop is some software from PC Tools, which I can't stand for multiple reasons, many of them outlined [URL=http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6138_102-231856.html]here[/URL]. I thought that was getting in the way. I went ahead and removed them myself, installed AVG as an antivirus (its FREE and I haven't experienced problems while using it), and eventually got everything else to install.

Now, a few days later, I get this sticky note:
[img_thumb]http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac298/4rawrs4srs/herpderpderp.png[/img_thumb]
(edited my name and her name out if you couldn't tell)

I don't even know what just "PC Tools" is other than the company that produces the other two programs listed.

The first thing I think is, oh great I guess I should to put this back on because it is her software and other than personal opinion I can't find much of an issue. I probably shouldn't have taken any of it off in the first place, but oh well, should be easy to put it back on. She comes to talk to me and tells me that she'd paid money for the software I'd removed (I think just Spyware Doctor), and now I'm thinking "Oh shit, what the hell did I just do?" Then as a smug little note at the bottom "I don't like AVG." :doh: All of the other jobs I've done fixing computers, nobody's said they don't like the software.

So, my question would be (mostly to alleviate myself of the feeling of paying out the ass for a mistake) how does the registration/activation etc work on PC Tools software? Can I download and reinstall the software with no hitches (as in are the activation keys still in the registry)? Would I find activation keys in an email or something? Do I just install it and she can type in a username and password and reactivate? I don't really understand how their software works as I've never had the misfortune of buying/installing/activating any of it.

It'd even be helpful if I could retrieve the installers that were downloaded, unless I can just download the free trial ones and (re)activate them somehow.

In a less wordy manner: How do I go about reinstalling this software in the least frustrating way without paying for it again.

Thanks in advance.

[FHamster]

Always ask what stuff they want to keep/backup before working. If they are being stupid, give advice opposing their decision.

I guess you need to ask if she still has her keys and reinstall. Its not that hard to download and install. Whether or not the activation keys are still in the registry depends on the program I believe.

Or just tell her Spyware Doctor was preventing SP3 and AVG fixed it.

[short sentences]

[QUOTE=FHamster;26460865]Always ask what stuff they want to keep/backup before working. If they are being stupid, give advice opposing their decision.

I guess you need to ask if she still has her keys and reinstall. Its not that hard to download and install. Whether or not the activation keys are still in the registry depends on the program I believe.

Or just tell her Spyware Doctor was preventing SP3 and AVG fixed it.[/QUOTE]

I usually let THEM manage what files and such they are keeping, then I can't be held liable should I wipe out a folder of precious family photos or something. I'm getting hold of the computer again soon to reinstall, I'll ask for info from when she bought it and give the registry a look myself.

I know Photoshop is one program that leaves the key in the registry after uninstalling, I'm hoping this works about the same way.