Re: lost product key

From: Bruce Chambers (bchambers@nospam.cableone.net)
Date: 04/12/03 

From: "Bruce Chambers" <bchambers@nospam.cableone.net>
Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2003 20:35:20 -0600

Greetings --

   The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) isn't stored on the installation CD. If it was a retail
license, it's stored somewhere on the CD packaging on a bright orange
sticker that says "Do not lose this number." If it was an OEM
(factory installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC
manufacturer affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom
of a laptop.

    If your current Windows installation is still functioning, you
should be able to use ViewKeyXP from
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm or AIDA32 from
http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php to find the Product Key. (If you have
a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since reinstalled the OS,
the revealed Product Key is that of the drive image used at the
factory and not _your_ specific Product Key; therefore, it cannot be
used for a re-installation.)

To recover a lost CD or Product Key:

    If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

    If it was an OEM license, you should contact whomever sold you the
OS; although few keep records of Product Keys sold, it's worth a try
before you have to buy a new license. Also, if you did originally
register the OEM installation with Microsoft they might be able to
help, although they're under no obligation to do so; All support is
the sole responsibility of the OEM.

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html 

----
You can have peace.  Or you can have freedom.  Don't ever count on 
having both at once. -- RAH
"elnar" <elnar@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:024f01c2ffc8$bb9c4d00$a601280a@phx.gbl...
> i lost my product key. because we move to another house.
> it seems i missed placed it. how can i obtain my product
> key. im using a home edition windows xp

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Installing Win XP Pro (just use another product key)
    ... machine - I assume this is an OEM license). ... The recovery disks that were supplied with the laptop were unable ... I have a genuine OEM Win XP Pro SP2 disc (from when I built my ... when I was asked to input the product key I ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: Windows update causes pc to restart
    ... > use windows updates the pc restarts or crashes and goes to the "blue ... What activation does is attempt to enforce the license agreement that the OS can only be installed on one system at a time (and for OEM versions cannot be transferred to a different computer). ... To find what that is, if the installation is bootable, run one of these utililties. ... To reinstall the OS without that provided CD, you could try a generic OEM XP installation CD that is the same type, that is Home or Pro and the same language version, as the product key that is on the sticker attached to the computer case. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: New motherboard
    ... On installation it "tailors" itself to the specific hardware found. ... If it's been more than 120 days since you last activated that specific Product Key, you'll most likely be able to activate via the Internet without problem. ... If it was an OEM license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: windows serial number - lost!
    ... it's an OEM version? ... The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the ... the installation CD in any way, shape, or form. ... license, it's stored on a label that the PC ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Emergency Installation of XP - How to Solve Activation Problem
    ... product key sticker is still on some of these donated computers, ... Professional, Retail vs. OEM, and Full vs. Upgrade. ... you can move the installation ... license ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.configuration_manage)
Loading