Re: Lost Product ID

From: Bruce Chambers (bchambers_at_nospamcableone.net)
Date: 02/15/04 

Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2004 10:37:26 -0700

Greetings --

   The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is stored 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.

  To recover a lost Product Key:

    If your system still runs, you should be able to use AIDA32
Enterprise 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 probably of the drive
image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product Key;
therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not be --
used for a re-installation.)

    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
PC; although very few manufacturers/vendors keep records of the
Product Keys they've sold, it's worth a try before you have to buy a
new license.

Bruce Chambers 

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"Larry Horsfield" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in 
message news:100a401c3f395$556f9ac0$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> Hi,
>
> I have lost the jewel case for my legitimate XP Pro, which
> obviously had the Product ID on it I need to enter to do a
> re-install. Like an idiot, I didn`t write the PID down
> somewhere in case of such an event!
>
> Is it possible to obtain a new PID from Microsoft? I
> bought the XP Pro via ebay, so have no proof of purchase,
> but I registered it when I first installed and activated
> it.
>
> Any help gratefully received.
>
> Larry.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Windows XP Home.
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