Re: Key Code

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

Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 23:07:50 -0600

Greetings --

    The Product Key is not stored anywhere on the installation CD.
After all, that would be rather like storing your house keys in the
lock, wouldn't it?

     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, you should contact whomever sold you the
OS; 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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"David" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:798c01c476ad$c2123750$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> Does anyone know how to find the PID code key on a CD

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