Re: XP Pro Product Key

From: Bruce Chambers (bchambers_at_nospamcableone.net)
Date: 02/14/04 

Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2004 19:10:52 -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 

--
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
"Bill Stanton" <bstanton@jps.net> wrote in message 
news:r7eXb.2873$tL3.729@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>I have a Dell computer with XP Pro installed. It has
> become necessary to re-format the hard-drive and
> re-install XP. Dell claims the COA is attached to the
> side of the tower. Either they don't know what they're
> talking about or it managed to fall off. So, the best I
> can do prior to the formatting is to capture the system
> ID number in "My Computer" properties. There has
> to be a way to deal with a lost Product Key... yes?
> Thanks,
> Tom
>
>

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Windows XP Home.
    ... 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: installing 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.basics)
  • Re: serial id number
    ... 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.newusers)
  • 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: 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)