CD Key for Windows XP

[kanikayn]

When I bought my computer it came with windows xp already installed and of
course being the brilliant person that I am, I lost it. And now I have
crashed Windows on my computer. I had my brother use his cd key to get my
computer up and running again but I cannot validate my version of Windows
because it was the cd key from his computer. What can I do to keep my
computer going? Do I have to go and purchase Windows AGAIN?! It's expensive
and I'm a poor mother of 2 that cannot afford to. Thanks.

 

[JS]

Check the side of the computer case or the bottom
of the laptop for a keycode sticker.

 

[Brian A.]

You should have a sticker with the PK on it affixed to the case, depending
on the PC type it may be on the bottom, back, side or even on the inside of
the case cover.

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

 

[Bruce Chambers]

When I bought my computer it came with windows xp already installed and of
course being the brilliant person that I am, I lost it. And now I have
crashed Windows on my computer. I had my brother use his cd key to get my
computer up and running again but I cannot validate my version of Windows
because it was the cd key from his computer. What can I do to keep my
computer going? Do I have to go and purchase Windows AGAIN?! It's expensive
and I'm a poor mother of 2 that cannot afford to. Thanks.

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is not on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form.
It 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.aspx?scid=KB;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

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

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