Re: Windows Activation

From: Bruce Chambers (bruce_a_chambers_at_h0tmail.com)
Date: 08/21/04 

Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2004 09:18:05 -0600

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 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 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
"Jason" <JaseBuddmt@aol.com> wrote in message 
news:a45701c4873b$f598ab60$a401280a@phx.gbl...
>I recently had to reformat my hard drive and reinstall
> windows XP.  I never recieved my windows registration code
> from my computers manufacturer.  I downloaded RockXP,
> which gave me the same code I installed Windows with.  The
> problem is, when I try and register it, I get a message
> saying its not the right code.  Can anyone help me figure
> out what to do?
>
> Jason

Relevant Pages

  • Re: 25 diget code for windows xp
    ... installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker ... installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer ... To recover a lost Product Key: ... image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product Key; ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: XP Pro Product Key
    ... installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker ... installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer ... To recover a lost Product Key: ... image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product Key; ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: Product Key
    ... installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker ... installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer ... To recover a lost Product Key: ... image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product Key; ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Lost Product ID
    ... installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker ... installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer ... To recover a lost Product Key: ... image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product Key; ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: Win XP - Product Code
    ... installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker ... If it was an OEM (factory ... installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer ... To recover a lost Product Key: ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)