My teenage son wanted to load WindowsXP on to the computer
he built. However, I think he threw the package away that
was from the software not realizing the product key was on
the package. Is there any way to find out what the key is
for his disk?

He purchased the software at a local computer store. The
store only said that another software CD will have to be
purchased. Help......

Hi

If XP isn't installed, then the PK can't be found. If you have a Retail CD
and still have proof of purchase, try here:

"How to replace lost, broken, or missing Microsoft software or hardware"
http://support.microsoft.com/default...B;en-us;326246

--

Will Denny
MVP - Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"tc" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:15ac01c499c2$1f45a6a0$(E-Mail Removed)...
> My teenage son wanted to load WindowsXP on to the computer
> he built. However, I think he threw the package away that
> was from the software not realizing the product key was on
> the package. Is there any way to find out what the key is
> for his disk?
>
> He purchased the software at a local computer store. The
> store only said that another software CD will have to be
> purchased. Help......

The CD is generic, and will not contain any licensing
keys. Besides, Microsoft says that in order for the
license to be valid, you have to have the Certificate of
Authenticity which is where your product key is.
Unfortunately I would say you are going to have to buy
another copy.


>-----Original Message-----
>My teenage son wanted to load WindowsXP on to the
computer
>he built. However, I think he threw the package away that
>was from the software not realizing the product key was
on
>the package. Is there any way to find out what the key
is
>for his disk?
>
>He purchased the software at a local computer store. The
>store only said that another software CD will have to be
>purchased. Help......
>.
>

"tc" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:15ac01c499c2$1f45a6a0$(E-Mail Removed)...
> My teenage son wanted to load WindowsXP on to the computer
> he built. However, I think he threw the package away that
> was from the software not realizing the product key was on
> the package. Is there any way to find out what the key is
> for his disk?
>
> He purchased the software at a local computer store. The
> store only said that another software CD will have to be
> purchased. Help......

and if you DO have XP loaded on a PC from the original CD, search google for
AIDA32 to retrieve the key. of course you can't use that key on a second
computer if you're still using it on the first computer. as others have
pointed out, if you don't have it installed at all, you're buying another
copy most likely.

"tc" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:15ac01c499c2$1f45a6a0$(E-Mail Removed)...
> My teenage son wanted to load WindowsXP on to the computer
> he built. However, I think he threw the package away that
> was from the software not realizing the product key was on
> the package. Is there any way to find out what the key is
> for his disk?
>
> He purchased the software at a local computer store. The
> store only said that another software CD will have to be
> purchased. Help......

You can retrieve the key with a program from here:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

I recommend that you start a register with all your
licence numbers, and keep a hard copy in a safe
place. This would get you off the hook, and your
poor teenage son too . . .

tc wrote:
> My teenage son wanted to load WindowsXP on to the computer
> he built. However, I think he threw the package away that
> was from the software not realizing the product key was on
> the package. Is there any way to find out what the key is
> for his disk?
>
> He purchased the software at a local computer store. The
> store only said that another software CD will have to be
> purchased. Help......


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...B;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact 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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