windows 2000 professional

[Armand Field]

Was product key changed to product ID on windows 2000
professional? If so how to obtain the product ID. I
misplaced my product key and tried to find it in the
registry but I could only find a product ID with 20
characters. How can I use this number if I should have to
use it in case I change my hard drive or if I should have
a serious crash? Do I have to call MS to obtain a new
number? If anybody has an answer to this I would greatly
appreciate it.

 

[Gary Smith]

Was product key changed to product ID on windows 2000
professional? If so how to obtain the product ID. I
misplaced my product key and tried to find it in the
registry but I could only find a product ID with 20
characters. How can I use this number if I should have to
use it in case I change my hard drive or if I should have
a serious crash? Do I have to call MS to obtain a new
number? If anybody has an answer to this I would greatly
appreciate it.

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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Was product key changed to product ID on windows 2000
professional? If so how to obtain the product ID. I
misplaced my product key and tried to find it in the
registry but I could only find a product ID with 20
characters. How can I use this number if I should have to
use it in case I change my hard drive or if I should have
a serious crash? Do I have to call MS to obtain a new
number? If anybody has an answer to this I would greatly
appreciate it.

The Product *ID* is created during the installation process and is
prominently displayed on the General Properties tab of the My Computer
icon, and in the registry.

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 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

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Wolf Kirchmeir]

Bruce Chambers wrote:

[...]

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.

You mean you really, truly have to buy another one? That's absurd!

Where is Consumer Protection when you need 'em?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Bruce Chambers wrote:


You mean you really, truly have to buy another one? That's absurd!

Where is Consumer Protection when you need 'em?

And if you forgot where you parked your car, would you expect Ford
to replace it, free of charge. "Consumer Protection" is not designed
to protect consumers from the consequences of their own lapse in
responsibility.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having
both at once. - RAH

 

[DLD]

You might like to check out this site. I have found it to
be very
informative:

ABC ~ All 'Bout Computers
The Online Web-azine for Computer Enthusiasts
http://www.personal-computer-tutor.com/abc/
subjects:
Reinstall Windows 2000 and XP Without Being Asked for the
Product Key
and:
~~Vic Ferri, WinTips and Tricks
Vol. 15: Retrieving a Lost Windows Install
http://personal-computer-tutor.com/abc2/v15/vol15.htm


you want or need to reinstall Windows, but you discover
that you have lost your Windows install key.
Note the word "reinstall". This is about retrieving your
own serial from an existing Windows 95,98,
98se, 2000, or XP installation, which may or may not be
corrupt. This is not about getting a cracked serial.

 

[Gert B. Frob]

And if you forgot where you parked your car, would you expect Ford
to replace it, free of charge. "Consumer Protection" is not designed
to protect consumers from the consequences of their own lapse in
responsibility.

No I wouldn't. But, if the ignition switch went faulty, I'd expect them to
replace it under warrenty or, if out of warrenty, I'd expect them to make
one available for something way less than the price of a new car. Wouldn't
you? And by the way, Ford does keep a record of the ignition key code for
every vehicle they sell.

 

[Wolf Kirchmeir]

No I wouldn't. But, if the ignition switch went faulty, I'd expect them to
replace it under warrenty or, if out of warrenty, I'd expect them to make
one available for something way less than the price of a new car. Wouldn't
you? And by the way, Ford does keep a record of the ignition key code for
every vehicle they sell.

I missed Bruce's response to my comment.

Gert got my point, Bruce didn't.