25 Digit Serial Number Lost

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  • Start date Start date
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Guest

To whom it may conern,
i have misplaced the serial number that came with the copy of XP
professional. However, on the plastic, cover there were the following
numbers.
MS Windows XP Pro OS**
p0116
sf-msos-022
With this information can i get my number. Also, does the serial number
have to be specific for that cd. Or can it be any xp Professional Serial
Number?
Thanks a ton!!
Peter
 
If your computer is still operational:

Retrieve your Windows XP CD key
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

If your computer is not operational:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[ln];326246

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| To whom it may conern,
| i have misplaced the serial number that came with the copy of XP
| professional. However, on the plastic, cover there were the following
| numbers.
| MS Windows XP Pro OS**
| p0116
| sf-msos-022
| With this information can i get my number. Also, does the serial number
| have to be specific for that cd. Or can it be any xp Professional Serial
| Number?
| Thanks a ton!!
| Peter
 
Peter said:
To whom it may conern,
i have misplaced the serial number that came with the copy of XP
professional. However, on the plastic, cover there were the following
numbers.
MS Windows XP Pro OS**
p0116
sf-msos-022
With this information can i get my number. Also, does the serial number
have to be specific for that cd. Or can it be any xp Professional Serial
Number?
Thanks a ton!!
Peter
Click to expand...


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." It is not on the installation CD
in any way, shape, or form. 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
 
On Sun, 05 Dec 2004 18:48:34 -0700, Bruce Chambers
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,
Click to expand...

This one does; both in an Access "what parts came from which supplier
invoice" table and as printed as a part serial no. in user's invoice.

It's also best, for the user, to retain the sticker somewhere safer
than on the PC case, and especially on the outside of the case; I
recommend storing it with other sware stuff in a safe.

After all, does theft of the PC constitute a legal transfer of license
ownership? If you choose not to register, and I ballpoint your key
from the outside of your case, spin a yarn, activate and "Yes I'd like
to register", how do you prove ownership is not mine?
it's worth a try before you have to buy a new license.
Click to expand...

One PC, many licenses, eh? One way to drum up business, I guess :-)

AFAIK AIDA32 will read the full SN for you, as well as doing other
useful things e.g. disclosing SMART details (on HD status).
 
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