Re: Retrieve XP Pro OEM product key

From: Gregg Hill (bogus_at_nowhere.com)
Date: 07/25/04


Date: Sat, 24 Jul 2004 19:25:18 -0700

Bruce,

Thank you for the addtional information. It was an OEM version and the label
is no longer on the computer.

Gregg Hill

"Bruce Chambers" <bruce_a_chambers@h0tmail.com> wrote in message
news:%23$6601bcEHA.3096@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> 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
> --
> 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
>
>
> "Gregg Hill" <bogus@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:O0vgmqRcEHA.4092@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
> > Hello!
> >
> > We have a Win XP Pro OEM install on a computer that crashed. The
> sticker is
> > not on the computer, although it was a few weeks ago. Is there a way
> to
> > retrieve the key by placing the drive into another XP computer to
> read its
> > registry files? If I can get the original key, maybe I can call
> Microsoft to
> > get a duplicate license(?).
> >
> > Thanks for the help!
> >
> > Gregg Hill
> >
> >
>
>



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