product key

[mannock]

is there a way to find the product key for a windows xp
home disc, after having formatted the hard drive for
reinstallation only to find the key has been lost?

 

[Guest]

Product key and activation code are two different things. Which one do you want? If the product key then it's on the CD case or if an OEM probably on the towere some where. If you want the activation code for your machine then it's found in the windows\system 32 folder and is heavily encrypted. wpa.dbl You can copy it to a floppy and then you won't need to go on line to reactivate. Once you have reinstalled XP simply put the wpa.dbl off the floppy into the windows\system32 folder and you are activated. If you don't have or can't find the CD Key then you will need to contact Microsoft and see if they will or can help. {:~)

 

[Billy]

If you want the activation code for your machine then it's found in the
windows\system 32 folder and is heavily encrypted. wpa.dbl You can copy
it to a floppy and then you won't need to go on line to reactivate. Once
you have reinstalled XP simply put the wpa.dbl off the floppy into the
windows\system32 folder and you are activated. If you don't have or can't
find the CD Key then you will need to contact Microsoft and see if they
will or can help. {:~)

Bwahahahahaha, you pillock! Copying back that file after a reinstallation
doesn't work that way, you stupid fùçking çùnt!

 

[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 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 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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