I actually posted this in the New Users forum but then I
realized that this one might be more appropriate so sorry
for the double post!

-------

Hello.

I purchased a new PC in Taiwan and when I got back to the
states, I realized that I lost the product key for XP Home.

I don't have the number of the place that I purchased my
PC from. I have an OEM version of XP Home (and for those
of you wondering, I'm sure it's legit--it has the hologram
stuff on it and it did come w/ a licnese, but it was in
Chinese and I couldn't read it so, well, I think I threw
it away! ARGH!).

Anyway, I was wondering how to contact Microsoft to either
get a key or a replacement cd. I've tried the online help
and so far it seems like I might need to use the pay for
help option. I would like to avoid this if possible (I
don't really want to spend any more money to fix my stupid
mistake

So if anyone could direct me to an email or a phone number
that I could contact I would really appreciate it! Thanks!
..

The CD-KEY should be on a sticker attached to your PC. This is where OEMs
are required to put the number.

If not, you'll need to buy another copy of Windows or contact your OEM.
Microsoft has no responsibility for support with OEM software.

Oli


"RC" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:043101c35fc4$65b5d530$(E-Mail Removed)...
> I actually posted this in the New Users forum but then I
> realized that this one might be more appropriate so sorry
> for the double post!
>
> -------
>
> Hello.
>
> I purchased a new PC in Taiwan and when I got back to the
> states, I realized that I lost the product key for XP Home.
>
> I don't have the number of the place that I purchased my
> PC from. I have an OEM version of XP Home (and for those
> of you wondering, I'm sure it's legit--it has the hologram
> stuff on it and it did come w/ a licnese, but it was in
> Chinese and I couldn't read it so, well, I think I threw
> it away! ARGH!).
>
> Anyway, I was wondering how to contact Microsoft to either
> get a key or a replacement cd. I've tried the online help
> and so far it seems like I might need to use the pay for
> help option. I would like to avoid this if possible (I
> don't really want to spend any more money to fix my stupid
> mistake
>
> So if anyone could direct me to an email or a phone number
> that I could contact I would really appreciate it! Thanks!
> .
>
>

Search the web for a program called ViewKeyXP.
It is a simple utility that will show the current installation Key number.
Unfortunately, if you do not have the sticker on the side of the case, it's
not a truly legal OEM. Because they are required to do so.

Rich

RC wrote:
> I actually posted this in the New Users forum but then I
> realized that this one might be more appropriate so sorry
> for the double post!
>
> -------
>
> Hello.
>
> I purchased a new PC in Taiwan and when I got back to the
> states, I realized that I lost the product key for XP Home.
>
> I don't have the number of the place that I purchased my
> PC from. I have an OEM version of XP Home (and for those
> of you wondering, I'm sure it's legit--it has the hologram
> stuff on it and it did come w/ a licnese, but it was in
> Chinese and I couldn't read it so, well, I think I threw
> it away! ARGH!).
>
> Anyway, I was wondering how to contact Microsoft to either
> get a key or a replacement cd. I've tried the online help
> and so far it seems like I might need to use the pay for
> help option. I would like to avoid this if possible (I
> don't really want to spend any more money to fix my stupid
> mistake
>
> So if anyone could direct me to an email or a phone number
> that I could contact I would really appreciate it! Thanks!
> .

Microsoft do not, cannot and will not assist with OEM installations. Yes
they want you to pay because you do not qualify for free support (that's one
of the restrictions of an OEM licence). So you have two choices (and
neither are free) either pay MS or purchase the full retail version.

Sorry, but that's the rub.


--
Perdita X. Dream

Please help us to help you
http://groups.google.com
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html.
Please note that the reply address is fake.
Keep all posts to the groups as private requests for assistance
(i.e. email/IM) cannot be acknowledged. Thank you.