Re-Installing XP

[JohnD]

I need to re-format my C: drive and reinstall all the software, inclusing XP.
Problem is I have a number of copies of XP Pro and I have no idea which one
was used on this machine. Where on the drive does the product key get stored?

Having identified the correct disc and having done the re-install, will I
have to go through activation again?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I need to re-format my C: drive and reinstall all the software, inclusing XP.
Problem is I have a number of copies of XP Pro and I have no idea which one
was used on this machine. Where on the drive does the product key get stored?

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.)

Having identified the correct disc and having done the re-install, will I
have to go through activation again?

Unless you've a BIOS-locked OEM installation CD, certainly.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I need to re-format my C: drive and reinstall all the software, inclusing
XP.
Problem is I have a number of copies of XP Pro and I have no idea which
one
was used on this machine. Where on the drive does the product key get
stored?

Having identified the correct disc and having done the re-install, will I
have to go through activation again?

There are various utilities, like Belarc Advisor and Magical Jellybean,
which will show you the install key for Windows (and Office and a few other
things). This is a read from the Registry.

None of these keys are anywhere on the install CD itself. It may be on the
*sleeve or case* for the CD.

CDs are interchangeable as long as they are the same type - OEM, Retail, VL,
etc.

You will know fairly quickly if you have the wrong disk for the key when the
key is requested, and either accepted or rejected.

HTH
-pk