cd key

[Philippe]

Hi,
I lost the CD key for this computer. My Windows XP is completely legit, I
simply missplaced my CD and the CD key for it. The problem is, I need to
format the computer now... I can easely use a friend's CD, but I can't use
their CD key. Is there a way to find out what the CD key this computer is
currently using before I format it so that I can reuse the same one when I
reinstall windows?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi,
I lost the CD key for this computer. My Windows XP is completely legit, I
simply missplaced my CD and the CD key for it. The problem is, I need to
format the computer now... I can easely use a friend's CD, but I can't use
their CD key. Is there a way to find out what the CD key this computer is
currently using before I format it so that I can reuse the same one when I
reinstall windows?

You can borrow another's installation CD, and use it with your own
Product Key, provided the specific WinXP editions and license versions
match. Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, or full) with which they are purchased.
For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail
version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa.
An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail product. An
Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD. Bottom line:
Product Keys and CD/license types cannot usually (it's been reported
that the Product Key for a full license will work with an Upgrade CD) be
mixed & matched.

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

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Ron Badour]

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/ will find the product key that is in
the registry. When you reinstall XP, your CD type must match your product
key type. For example, an OEM version CD of XP will not work with a retail
version product code.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

 

[Mark]

If your computer is OEM and not retail, it is a policy of OEM distributors
to place your Product Key sticker on the outside of your computer's case (or
on the bottom of a laptop). If your retailer did not do this then they have
violated their resale policy. (e.g. Dell, Gateway, HP and many others are in
compliance.)

You may use third-party tools to acquire your Product Key but I would
contact Microsoft Support because their technicians have a way of acquiring
from legitimate copies.

I hope this helps.

-M.

 

[JS]

Here are four utilities, all of which will display your product keys:
Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
(It does a good job of providing a wealth of information.)
Also: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
and: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
and RockXP: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4138.html which has additional
features

Note: Also check the side of your PC case or bottom of the laptop for the
OEM key code. If there is a sticker with the code it will most likely not
match what is displayed by the utilities mentioned above as OEMs such as
Dell use an internal key code when they build your PC.

The key code on the sticker is for use with your Windows CD
(that hopefully came with your PC)
if you ever need to reinstall Windows.

 

[Ray Luca]

I lost the CD key for this computer. My Windows XP is completely legit, I
simply missplaced my CD and the CD key for it.

That happens SO often - at least as far as posts in these groups seem
to indicate - that I'm wondering just HTF someone loses something that
important. Or are there really just a lot more idiots in the world
than I have previously imagined?

 

[Patrick Keenan]

That happens SO often - at least as far as posts in these groups seem
to indicate - that I'm wondering just HTF someone loses something that
important. Or are there really just a lot more idiots in the world
than I have previously imagined?

Things happen. Lots of important papers get buried, lost, or tossed in
cleanups.

It's not always clear how important it is to keep that excessively large
packaging forever.

The OEM key-code sticker is really not a bad idea, and for the retail keys
that don't come with that, I sometimes write the key on paper and affix that
to the PC case.

-pk

 

[Ray Luca]

Things happen. Lots of important papers get buried, lost, or tossed in
cleanups.

It's not always clear how important it is to keep that excessively large
packaging forever.

The OEM key-code sticker is really not a bad idea, and for the retail keys
that don't come with that, I sometimes write the key on paper and affix that
to the PC case.

-pk

It was only about two years ago that I finally tossed out all my
floppy installation discs - including the Win95 disc set. I still
have every one of my installation CDs - OS and program CDs - since
Win98 was first released.

I'm so paranoid, that before I even USE installation media (even
downloaded) I first make a backup copy. If it's optical media, when I
put it in a plastic case, I include a copy of the key.

 

[Big_Al]

Ray Luca said this on 4/18/2009 6:00 PM:

It was only about two years ago that I finally tossed out all my
floppy installation discs - including the Win95 disc set. I still
have every one of my installation CDs - OS and program CDs - since
Win98 was first released.

I'm so paranoid, that before I even USE installation media (even
downloaded) I first make a backup copy. If it's optical media, when I
put it in a plastic case, I include a copy of the key.

I'm with you. I wouldn't use an original CD if you paid me. I keep a
password program for obvious reasons and created a folder of "software"
and keep all the keys there too.
I build my PC's and I keep the original mobo box and put all the
important papers/CD's/left over parts like the faceplates etc.
Everything goes in the box and the box goes on the shelf. If I buy an
add-on card then those docs and receipts go in the box too. Nothing is
lost. When I remove parts, I keep them in a "junk" box for years or
for another PC but till then I put the part/docs all in a zip lock bag
for the junk box.

 

[Tim Meddick]

Hi,
Everybody's seems to be so eager to tell where the product key can be
located, or to advise on key-readers, there's something no-one has
mentioned. Namely, that if the installation cd is OEM (Original Equipment
Manufacturer) that came with the computer and not bought separately, then
you don't NEED the product key. The disk recognises the computer hardware
and nothing else is required (Even so, it IS needed if you want to do the
"press R to repair" option from the cd boot menu). I don't know for sure,
but it has been my experience, to date, that such a disk, if put into a
different make of PC, requires full VALIDATION and the product key is
useless anyway in that case.

 

[Tim Meddick]

Hi,
Everybody's seems to be so eager to tell where the product key can be
located, or to advise on key-readers, there's something no-one has
mentioned. Namely, that if the installation cd is OEM (Original Equipment
Manufacturer) that came with the computer and not bought separately, then
you don't NEED the product key. The disk recognises the computer hardware
and nothing else is required (Even so, it IS needed if you want to do the
"press R to repair" option from the cd boot menu). I don't know for sure,
but it has been my experience, to date, that such a disk, if put into a
different make of PC, requires full VALIDATION and the product key is
useless anyway in that case.

 

[Ray Luca]

Hi,
Everybody's seems to be so eager to tell where the product key can be
located, or to advise on key-readers, there's something no-one has
mentioned. Namely, that if the installation cd is OEM (Original Equipment
Manufacturer) that came with the computer and not bought separately, then
you don't NEED the product key.

Maybe it's not been mentioned because it has no bloody connection to
the OP's problem. Or did you happen to overlook the fact that the OP
clearly stated that the CD cannot be found!?

 

[JS]

A relative of mine bought a new Dell a couple
of years ago and never noticed that the CD was
missing (No restore partition either).

Dell sent the CD when asked, but if they never
had a need for what they didn't receive in the original
shipment, after a few years anybody may have
believed they missed placed it.

 

[Tim Meddick]

HI,
MY MISTAKE, WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION (BUT THEN, I'M ONLY HUMAN UNLIKE
SOME PEOPLE). I DIDN'T LOOK AT THE POST A SECOND TIME AND AS HE SAYS HE
MUST REFORMAT I THOUGHT HE WAS SAYING REINSTALL! BUT MY POST DOES HAVE
MERIT BECAUSE A PRODUCT KEY WILL NOT SAVE HIM FROM HAVING TO ACTIVATE
IT!!! - IF I AM WRONG THEN EXPLAIN IT TO ME. WE SHOULD BE TRYING TO HELP
ONE ANOTHER, NOT TRYING TO BASH EACH OTHER OVER THE HEAD WITH WHAT WE KNOW
OR THINK WE KNOW.

 

[Ray Luca]

A relative of mine bought a new Dell a couple
of years ago and never noticed that the CD was
missing (No restore partition either).

One or the other WAS there. Definitely

Dells are coming with discs now. I have helped several people setup
new Dells recently.

 

[Ray Luca]

HI,
MY MISTAKE, WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION

This is not the first time. It would appear that you are prone to
doing that.

 

[JS]

Items on the packing list did not match what was in the box.

 

[Psalmist]

HI,
MY MISTAKE, WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION (BUT THEN, I'M ONLY HUMAN UNLIKE
SOME PEOPLE). I DIDN'T LOOK AT THE POST A SECOND TIME AND AS HE SAYS HE
MUST REFORMAT I THOUGHT HE WAS SAYING REINSTALL! BUT MY POST DOES HAVE
MERIT BECAUSE A PRODUCT KEY WILL NOT SAVE HIM FROM HAVING TO ACTIVATE
IT!!! - IF I AM WRONG THEN EXPLAIN IT TO ME. WE SHOULD BE TRYING TO HELP
ONE ANOTHER, NOT TRYING TO BASH EACH OTHER OVER THE HEAD WITH WHAT WE KNOW
OR THINK WE KNOW.

Hey, let's cool it down over there!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi,
Everybody's seems to be so eager to tell where the product key can be
located, or to advise on key-readers, there's something no-one has
mentioned. Namely, that if the installation cd is OEM (Original Equipment
Manufacturer) that came with the computer and not bought separately, then
you don't NEED the product key.

While that's quite often the case, it isn't universally true.
Preservation of the Product Key remains a basic and essential precaution.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


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

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Hi,
Everybody's seems to be so eager to tell where the product key can be
located, or to advise on key-readers, there's something no-one has
mentioned. Namely, that if the installation cd is OEM (Original Equipment
Manufacturer) that came with the computer and not bought separately, then
you don't NEED the product key.

In some cases, when you do the reinstall, you do still need to enter the
key. It depends on what the OEM has done; some have embedded the install
key in setup, others haven't.

I've fairly recently gone through a number of HP P4 systems, and all of them
required keying in the install code even when using the original "restore"
CD set.

The OEM initially uses an installation method that relies on one key, but if
you reinstall yourself, you have to use the key on the COA sticker. Yes,
this means that if you run a keyfinder the key may not match the COA, yet
both are valid.

The disk recognises the computer hardware
and nothing else is required (Even so, it IS needed if you want to do the
"press R to repair" option from the cd boot menu). I don't know for
sure,
but it has been my experience, to date, that such a disk, if put into a
different make of PC, requires full VALIDATION and the product key is
useless anyway in that case.

Some OEMs such as Dells tie the installer to a BIOS signature, and the
installer will halt if it doesn't find it. These CDs can not be used (at
least as-is) on other systems.