My computer said there was new hardware to install (the key driver) so clicking that I guess re-installed the existing key that I have as if it was brand new.
And ACAD 9 started working again.
Don't really understand how the PC world works since MAC rarely gets me as flumoxed, but I just hit continue or next on these dialogue boxes and most of the time that seems to work.
Thanks for the help.
Tad