Re: Getting Back your registration Number

burnsie0009 wrote:
I had a crash on my computer, the Hard Disk and the Motherboard & Chip were obliterated. I'm building a new one and I have the original legal windows XP disk, however I don't have the registration number. Will MS supply me with the registration number as I registered the Disk when I built my last computer ?


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." The Product Key is not stored on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form. 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.


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Bruce Chambers

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