Re: serial id number

From: Bruce Chambers (bruce_a_chambers_at_h0tmail.com)
Date: 07/20/04 

Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 19:59:09 -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, 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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"ajc" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:008401c46dc7$105916d0$a401280a@phx.gbl...
> how do you contact microsoft to obtain my XP Pro ID #. I
> lost it and need to reinstall XP. AT this point, my
> machine will not boot up to locate the ID # from my
> computer anymore.
>
> IS there something I can do to get microsoft to send me my
> ID #. I need to install it on the same computer.

Relevant Pages

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