Re: Product ID

From: Bruce Chambers (bruce_a_chambers_at_h0tmail.com)
Date: 07/31/04


Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 22:50:54 -0600

Greetings --

    The Product ID is created during the installation process and it
prominently displayed on the General Properties tab of the My Computer
icon.

    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 Belarc
Advisor from http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html 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, and someone has removed/destroyed the
label, you should contact you the computer's manufacturer; 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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"Phil" <phil_perry86@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:779101c47659$db2f3ed0$a501280a@phx.gbl...
> Having now misplaced my Product ID Number the worst has
> happened and I now need to use the Intall disk.
>
> Is there anyway of getting my ID number other than having
> to pay for a new copy of windows XP.
>
> I tried to use the microsoft help options in the "no
> charge support" section but I need my ID number.
>
> Any help would be great
>
> Regards
>
> Phil P


Relevant Pages

  • 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)
  • Re: Emergency Installation of XP - How to Solve Activation Problem
    ... There is no need to reactive the license. ... By the way if the computer has a product key sticker on it, ... Professional, Retail vs. OEM, and Full vs. Upgrade. ... you can move the installation ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.configuration_manage)
  • Re: XP Licenses and CD Images
    ... I've tried on a number of occasions to use these license keys in clean ... vaild Product Key, automatic activation over the Net should occur. ... installation media for a modest fee. ... Although it's possible to find images for ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: XP reg number
    ... 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. ... The Product Key is not stored on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Forgotten my Window XP Professional cd-key
    ... The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the installation) is not on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form. ... 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)

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