Deriving Product Key

[Molly]

I have a system that I would like to reinstall with
windows XP from an image disk, but I will need to re-
enter the product key for windows XP. I do not know the
original product key. Is there any way to find the
product key on the computer itself? Perhaps in the
registry?

Molly

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Molly;
Follow this:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
Near the bottom "View Product Key XP"

This tool may not show a working key if the computer still has the
original Windows XP load.
The key used with the factory image is usually unsuitable for
reinstallation and activation.

 

[Ron Martell]

I have a system that I would like to reinstall with
windows XP from an image disk, but I will need to re-
enter the product key for windows XP. I do not know the
original product key. Is there any way to find the
product key on the computer itself? Perhaps in the
registry?

I agree with Jupiter Jones' comments.

However the product key should be on a label affixed to the side or
the bottom of your computer case. Check for it. It will be about the
size of an address label and the Product Key will be a 25 character
alphanumeric value in 5 segments of 5 characters each.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."