how do I find Win XP Product key

[Ron]

I have win XP as a OEM install with just the system restore disc. I need to
find the Windows product key number for an external hard drive that I back
up to. It will do a restore for me if I have the product key. I do not
know where to find the number. Any help? Thanks!

 

[David Candy]

It's on the computer (a sticker). OEMs usually use a different key than yours to install the software. You must use yours not the one used at the factory.

 

[Joe Doig]

I have win XP as a OEM install with just the system restore disc. I need to
find the Windows product key number for an external hard drive that I back
up to. It will do a restore for me if I have the product key. I do not
know where to find the number. Any help? Thanks!

Is it not on the sticker that's stuck to your case?
This will find it for you. It is on this page
http://www.thatcomputerguy.us/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13

This is the direct link
http://www.thatcomputerguy.us/file/ViewKeyXP.exe

 

[Ron]

Well Dang! That was too easy! Thanks David.


It's on the computer (a sticker). OEMs usually use a different key than
yours to install the software. You must use yours not the one used at the
factory.

 

[Ron]

Of course! Found it on the side of case. Thanks! (looking down at shoes
in embarrassment)

 

[TCEBob]

I have win XP as a OEM install with just the system restore disc. I
need to find the Windows product key number for an external hard
drive that I back up to. It will do a restore for me if I have the
product key. I do not know where to find the number. Any help?
Thanks!

Right click My Computor, select Properties.

rs

 

[Chuck]

I have win XP as a OEM install with just the system restore disc. I need to
find the Windows product key number for an external hard drive that I back
up to. It will do a restore for me if I have the product key. I do not
know where to find the number. Any help? Thanks!

Ron,

Aida (http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php), which is free, will give you
that and other useful information about your system.

Cheers,

Chuck
I hate spam - PLEASE get rid of the spam before emailing me!
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.

 

[Guest]

----- Ron wrote: ----

I have win XP as a OEM install with just the system restore disc. I need t
find the Windows product key number for an external hard drive that I bac
up to. It will do a restore for me if I have the product key. I do no
know where to find the number. Any help? Thanks

 

[DCC]

Get AIDA32 at http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php
It will show you the key.
============================================

 

[Mad Max]

Lo 33:
I also have an OEM ( emachines ) . Those programs that are supposed to
reveal your product key , may not. The reason being, as I understand it , is
that the numbers revealed are actually a factory production key ?????????
My emachine product ID is found on a small sticker placed on the back of the
computer case. I've heard that others manufacturers use a variety of
locations on which to place the Product ID. Some even put it on a sticker
included with the packing materials . Naturally, we wouldn't want to make
things easy for the consumer, now would we ? My sticker is tiny and is the
same color as the computer case. Now isn't that special ? With my bifocals ,
it's really easy to see. Not!!!!! Good luck with your search. And if you
have thrown away your product ID with your packing materials, do not tell
anyone. You will get no sympathy. Additional remarks censored !

Mad Max

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

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 AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php 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 whomever sold you the
PC; 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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