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.
The Product Key is _not_ stored on, nor is it in any way extractable
from, the installation CD.
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...B;en-us;326246
If it was an OEM license, you should contact whomever sold you the
OS; 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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having both at once. -- RAH
"Harry" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:074d01c3a782$2f22e930$(E-Mail Removed)...
> I have missplaced the 25 character alpha numeric code that
> came with my Dell purchased xp CD. I contacted Dell but
> they, in broken english could not help me. How can I
> retreive this code for the future?
>
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