OEM CD Key for XP Home w/ SP2

[Guest]

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call Microsoft for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA) can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only distributor of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for and
activated (less than a year ago).

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Justin

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Is Windows XP still installed on your computer:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
Near the bottom, "View Product Key XP"

Otherwise their is a slight chance Microsoft can help since you have a
generic Windows XP OEM:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246

If neither of the above do not work and you still want Windows XP, you will
need to buy it again.
Next time, place the sticker in a safe place, on the computer case is the
expected place for OEM.

 

[DL]

You call the supplier, and if they repeat what they said, you inform them
that they are missinformed and request the supervisor.
Then the poor prat who is designated as supervisor for that day will have to
deal with it.
But I have to ask, how is it you lost the sticker?

 

[Rock]

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call Microsoft for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA) can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only distributor of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for and
activated (less than a year ago).

It's between you and CompUSA, unfortunately. Only they can help you on
this. Write to the CompUSA president, but you can't really blame them for
not issuing a new key. They have no way to verify if this is a scam.

Is this copy of XP installed and is the installation bootable? If so there
are utilities that will tell you what the key is that was used for the
install. Here are some utilities that will retrieve a license key from a
running XP installation.

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Everest http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1

 

[Guest]

Sticker was attached to the monitor.

You call the supplier, and if they repeat what they said, you inform them
that they are missinformed and request the supervisor.
Then the poor prat who is designated as supervisor for that day will have to
deal with it.
But I have to ask, how is it you lost the sticker?

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call Microsoft for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA) can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only distributor of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for and
activated (less than a year ago).

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Justin

 

[Guest]

I understand my plight. I work for a school department that has a corporate
account w/ CompUSA, and my reputation with them is good, but even they can't
do anything for me.

If I hook the drive up as a slave, is there anyway I can find the key?

Thanks,

Justin

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call Microsoft for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA) can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only distributor of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for and
activated (less than a year ago).

It's between you and CompUSA, unfortunately. Only they can help you on
this. Write to the CompUSA president, but you can't really blame them for
not issuing a new key. They have no way to verify if this is a scam.

Is this copy of XP installed and is the installation bootable? If so there
are utilities that will tell you what the key is that was used for the
install. Here are some utilities that will retrieve a license key from a
running XP installation.

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Everest http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1

 

[Mike Brannigan]

You call the supplier, and if they repeat what they said, you inform
them
that they are missinformed and request the supervisor.
Then the poor prat who is designated as supervisor for that day will
have to
deal with it.
But I have to ask, how is it you lost the sticker?

Actually - no that is not the correct route. The original poster
purchased OEM media that is usually purchased from a distributors by a
system builder who then installs it and supplies it on a system they
build.
The fact that end users can also buy these is an age old problem - so
effectively they are their own OEM and they are the only person
responsible for any issues with the proiduct including lost keys.
So if they go and loose a key that is clearly marked as to be kept in
a safe place the only person for them to deal with is themselves.
If they cannot recover the key from the machine using any one of the
plethora of methods available online today they will have to purchase
a new OEM package and rekey themselves.
If you want to be your own OEM then you had better be a little more
prepared to cope with "support" issues for the machines you build.

--

Mike Brannigan

You call the supplier, and if they repeat what they said, you inform
them
that they are missinformed and request the supervisor.
Then the poor prat who is designated as supervisor for that day will
have to
deal with it.
But I have to ask, how is it you lost the sticker?

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with
Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call
Microsoft for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA)
can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only
distributor of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an
OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for
and
activated (less than a year ago).

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Justin

 

[Mike Brannigan]

I understand my plight. I work for a school department that has a
corporate
account w/ CompUSA, and my reputation with them is good, but even
they can't
do anything for me.

If I hook the drive up as a slave, is there anyway I can find the
key?

Thanks,

Justin

The you should have purchased a Volume License instead of OEM media
and then thinking that CompUSA have any responsibility to you who
chooses to be their own OEM.

Unless the OS is bootable on the machine you are unlikely to be able
to recover the activation key. If you can still boot from the OS then
there are any number of applets out there that will display your
product activation key - just use your favourite search engine to
locate one.


--

Mike Brannigan

I understand my plight. I work for a school department that has a
corporate
account w/ CompUSA, and my reputation with them is good, but even
they can't
do anything for me.

If I hook the drive up as a slave, is there anyway I can find the
key?

Thanks,

Justin

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with
Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call
Microsoft for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from
(CompUSA) can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only
distributor of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an
OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for
and
activated (less than a year ago).

It's between you and CompUSA, unfortunately. Only they can help
you on
this. Write to the CompUSA president, but you can't really blame
them for
not issuing a new key. They have no way to verify if this is a
scam.

Is this copy of XP installed and is the installation bootable? If
so there
are utilities that will tell you what the key is that was used for
the
install. Here are some utilities that will retrieve a license key
from a
running XP installation.

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Everest http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1

 

[Mike Brannigan]

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with
Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call
Microsoft for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA)
can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only
distributor of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an
OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for
and
activated (less than a year ago).

It's between you and CompUSA, unfortunately. Only they can help you
on this. Write to the CompUSA president, but you can't really
blame them for not issuing a new key. They have no way to verify if
this is a scam.

Is this copy of XP installed and is the installation bootable? If
so there are utilities that will tell you what the key is that was
used for the install. Here are some utilities that will retrieve a
license key from a running XP installation.

CompUSA are not responsible for OEMs who purchase OEM media from them
designed for resale on built system by System Builders.
The original poster will either have to recover his key from his
machine or purchase another OEM product.


--

Mike Brannigan

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with
Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call
Microsoft for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA)
can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only
distributor of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an
OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for
and
activated (less than a year ago).

It's between you and CompUSA, unfortunately. Only they can help you
on this. Write to the CompUSA president, but you can't really
blame them for not issuing a new key. They have no way to verify if
this is a scam.

Is this copy of XP installed and is the installation bootable? If
so there are utilities that will tell you what the key is that was
used for the install. Here are some utilities that will retrieve a
license key from a running XP installation.

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Everest http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1

 

[Robert Pendell]

The you should have purchased a Volume License instead of OEM media
and then thinking that CompUSA have any responsibility to you who
chooses to be their own OEM.

Unless the OS is bootable on the machine you are unlikely to be able
to recover the activation key. If you can still boot from the OS then
there are any number of applets out there that will display your
product activation key - just use your favourite search engine to
locate one.

There is one but let me do a search for it. You still have a chance if
you can get the drive in another computer.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

The supplier, CompUSA in this case is correct.
Asking for a supervisor will get the same answer.
The "poor prat" will give that information and be done with the call
quickly.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You may need to locate the monitor to keep from buying Windows XP again.

 

[Guest]

i don't know much about computers, but i just fixed a problem with my
computer by reinstalling xp and if i remember right, when i reinstalled xp i
didn't have to inter the "cd key" it was already type-in. i guess because
the xp on my computer recognized i had the right install CD. so you should
be able to copy the cd key and then quit the reinstall. anyway its worth a
try before you buy a new xp!

 

[paulmd]

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call Microsoft for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA) can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only distributor of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for and
activated (less than a year ago).

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Justin

Aida32 is useful for seeing the product key you used to install the OS
with. This presumes the OS is at least semi-functional.

 

[Rock]

I understand my plight. I work for a school department that has a corporate
account w/ CompUSA, and my reputation with them is good, but even they can't
do anything for me.

If I hook the drive up as a slave, is there anyway I can find the key?

Thanks,

Justin

:

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call Microsoft for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA) can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only distributor of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for and
activated (less than a year ago).

It's between you and CompUSA, unfortunately. Only they can help you on
this. Write to the CompUSA president, but you can't really blame them for
not issuing a new key. They have no way to verify if this is a scam.

Is this copy of XP installed and is the installation bootable? If so there
are utilities that will tell you what the key is that was used for the
install. Here are some utilities that will retrieve a license key from a
running XP installation.

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Everest http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1

No, the installation has to be running. If it's not bootable, you can't
recover the license key from it. Why? I don't know - sorry.

 

[paulmd]

I understand my plight. I work for a school department that has a corporate
account w/ CompUSA, and my reputation with them is good, but even they can't
do anything for me.

If I hook the drive up as a slave, is there anyway I can find the key?

Thanks,

Justin

:

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call Microsoft for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA) can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only distributor of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for and
activated (less than a year ago).

It's between you and CompUSA, unfortunately. Only they can help you on
this. Write to the CompUSA president, but you can't really blame them for
not issuing a new key. They have no way to verify if this is a scam.

Is this copy of XP installed and is the installation bootable? If so there
are utilities that will tell you what the key is that was used for the
install. Here are some utilities that will retrieve a license key from a
running XP installation.

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Everest http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1

No, the installation has to be running. If it's not bootable, you can't
recover the license key from it. Why? I don't know - sorry.

FYI: It's a LOT harder, but it can be done.

http://www.dagondesign.com/articles/windows-xp-product-key-recovery/comment-page-2/


http://www.product-key.com/keyfinders/keyfinderPlugin.htm

 

[Rock]

I understand my plight. I work for a school department that has a
corporate
account w/ CompUSA, and my reputation with them is good, but even they
can't
do anything for me.

If I hook the drive up as a slave, is there anyway I can find the key?

Thanks,

Justin

:




I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with
Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call Microsoft
for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA)
can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only distributor
of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for and
activated (less than a year ago).

It's between you and CompUSA, unfortunately. Only they can help you on
this. Write to the CompUSA president, but you can't really blame them
for
not issuing a new key. They have no way to verify if this is a scam.

Is this copy of XP installed and is the installation bootable? If so
there
are utilities that will tell you what the key is that was used for the
install. Here are some utilities that will retrieve a license key from
a
running XP installation.

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Everest http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1

No, the installation has to be running. If it's not bootable, you can't
recover the license key from it. Why? I don't know - sorry.

FYI: It's a LOT harder, but it can be done.

http://www.dagondesign.com/articles/windows-xp-product-key-recovery/comment-page-2/


http://www.product-key.com/keyfinders/keyfinderPlugin.htm

Thanks haven't seen that before. Have you tried either method? One costs
$14.95 for the plug in.

 

[paulmd]

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with
Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call Microsoft
for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA)
can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only distributor
of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for and
activated (less than a year ago).

It's between you and CompUSA, unfortunately. Only they can help you on
this. Write to the CompUSA president, but you can't really blame them
for
not issuing a new key. They have no way to verify if this is a scam.

Is this copy of XP installed and is the installation bootable? If so
there
are utilities that will tell you what the key is that was used for the
install. Here are some utilities that will retrieve a license key from
a
running XP installation.

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Everest http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1

No, the installation has to be running. If it's not bootable, you can't
recover the license key from it. Why? I don't know - sorry.

FYI: It's a LOT harder, but it can be done.

http://www.dagondesign.com/articles/windows-xp-product-key-recovery/comment-page-2/


http://www.product-key.com/keyfinders/keyfinderPlugin.htm

Thanks haven't seen that before. Have you tried either method? One costs
$14.95 for the plug in.

Not had an opportunity myself. At least the first method looks too hard
to be a scam

 

[John John]

Rock wrote:

Justin wrote:


I understand my plight. I work for a school department that has a
corporate
account w/ CompUSA, and my reputation with them is good, but even they
can't
do anything for me.

If I hook the drive up as a slave, is there anyway I can find the key?

Thanks,

Justin

:

I have lost the CD key for my copy of Windows XP Home Edition with
Service
Pack 2. Now, I understand that as an OEM copy, I can't call Microsoft
for
any tech support, but the store I purchased the copy from (CompUSA)
can't
tell me what the key was, or issue me new one (despite having all
documentation [except for the actual sticker w/ the key on it]).

I first went to CompUSA, and they said that MS is the only distributor
of
keys, so I have to call them. I did, and they said that it is an OEM
version, and that I have to call CompUSA.

Now to my question: how can I get a key for it? It was paid for and
activated (less than a year ago).

It's between you and CompUSA, unfortunately. Only they can help you on
this. Write to the CompUSA president, but you can't really blame them
for
not issuing a new key. They have no way to verify if this is a scam.

Is this copy of XP installed and is the installation bootable? If so
there
are utilities that will tell you what the key is that was used for the
install. Here are some utilities that will retrieve a license key from
a
running XP installation.

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Everest http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1

No, the installation has to be running. If it's not bootable, you can't
recover the license key from it. Why? I don't know - sorry.

--
Rock
MS MVP Windows - Shell/User

FYI: It's a LOT harder, but it can be done.

http://www.dagondesign.com/articles/windows-xp-product-key-recovery/comment-page-2/


http://www.product-key.com/keyfinders/keyfinderPlugin.htm

Thanks haven't seen that before. Have you tried either method? One costs
$14.95 for the plug in.

Not had an opportunity myself. At least the first method looks too hard
to be a scam

Thanks! Peice of cake! It's (www.dagondesign.com) not hard at all and
it also works on Windows 2000. The instructions on the page to capture
the right bytes (set of numbers) makes it easy to do. The utilities
available there do the job and they are tiny to download.

John

 

[Davy]

If the OS is on the computer visit the link below and download the
very small file, it will display the CD key of the OS providing
computer is working.

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/kfbeta.shtml

Davy