activation key

I have to reset my laptop to the factory setting but I have lost my activation key for Prophercies. Before I do this is there anywhere in the data files which would have the activation key details?

You don't need the activation key after the initial install. Just log in using your email and password as usual. The activation key is just for creating an account or upgrading an account.

cheers but what happens if I want to upgrade my account etc.

What do you mean by "Upgrade your account"? As far as I know, you have an account and that's it, nothing more or nothing less!

If you mean adding new chapters (Factions, Nightfall, Eye of the North) then it still isn't a problem. It is just a case of adding the new access keys to your existing account. Just log on to your Prophecies account and you should see "I have a new key" as one of the options. Click that and follow the instructions.