Product key

[Guest]

My computer started getting slow so i started tought it was about time to
reinstall it again. So i formated the HD and started to install windows again.
When it asked for the product key i draged my computer out to look at the
key. but to my horro it was gone. my brother had removed it because he was
bored. and the only thing i have that can prove that i bought it is a code on
the CD.

what should i do.

 

[You Know Who]

call microsoft

 

[Shenan Stanley]

My computer started getting slow so i started tought it was about
time to reinstall it again. So i formated the HD and started to
install windows again. When it asked for the product key i draged
my computer out to look at the key. but to my horro it was gone. my
brother had removed it because he was bored. and the only thing i
have that can prove that i bought it is a code on the CD.

what should i do.

Unfortunately - you have no proof you purchased Windows XP nor do you have
your old Windows XP installation to refer to to obtain your key. As it was
an OEM copy of Windows XP - your support for the OS comes from the people
you purchased the system from . You may want to contact them on the
off-chance they can help.

 

[PA Bear]

Have your brother resolve the problem.

 

[Rock]

My computer started getting slow so i started tought it was about time to
reinstall it again. So i formated the HD and started to install windows
again.
When it asked for the product key i draged my computer out to look at the
key. but to my horro it was gone. my brother had removed it because he was
bored. and the only thing i have that can prove that i bought it is a code
on
the CD.

what should i do.

There are tools to display the product key from within an installation of
XP. Unfortunately you already formatted the drive, so these won't help you.
If the XP version is retail then follow this link:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com

If OEM then MS can't help. You'll need to contact the vendor from whom it
was purchased. They may or may not be able to help you. If they can't help
(which is the most likely scenario) then your brother owes you the cost of a
new copy of XP.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

My computer started getting slow so i started tought it was about time to
reinstall it again. So i formated the HD and started to install windows again.
When it asked for the product key i draged my computer out to look at the
key. but to my horro it was gone. my brother had removed it because he was
bored. and the only thing i have that can prove that i bought it is a code on
the CD.

what should i do.

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

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