Re: Certificate Numbers

From: Bruce Chambers (bchambers_at_nospamcableone.net)
Date: 02/06/04


Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2004 09:42:01 -0700

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 AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php 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
PC; 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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"jaynesguy@aol.com" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:b11e01c3ecc7$31b57b10$a101280a@phx.gbl...
> We have moved a couple of times and have lost the
> Certificate of Authenticity for our Windows XP program.
> We are having several problems and want to reinstall XP
> but obviously need these numbers.  Is there anyway to get
> these numbers from Microsoft or any other source.
>
> Thanks
>
> Les
>


Relevant Pages

  • Re: Installing Win XP Pro (just use another product key)
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  • Re: auth code
    ... 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.setup_deployment)
  • Re: Windows XP Serial Number
    ... If it was an OEM (factory ... 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: product code
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    (microsoft.public.win2000.setup)
  • Re: lost product key
    ... 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.security_admin)