7 computers-no product key!!

[Guest]

I have a big problem, we have 7 computers that our concrete company purchased
Windows XP professional for, the previouse office manager has done something
with the product key #'s for all of them. I'm having a problem with only 2
computers that i was trying to re-install Windows, WHAT CAN I DO?

 

[Leythos]

I have a big problem, we have 7 computers that our concrete company purchased
Windows XP professional for, the previouse office manager has done something
with the product key #'s for all of them. I'm having a problem with only 2
computers that i was trying to re-install Windows, WHAT CAN I DO?

Ran into this with a new client - their IT company had removed the DELL
provided License/key sticker from the cases and sold them on ebay...

Dell would not replace the key, and I didn't really expect them too, it
was an insurance claim at best and a court case for the cost...

Belarc Advisor should be able to get the install key for you, if it's not
too late and you can still use the computers.

If you can't load BA or the Magic Jellybean finder, you need to go after
the SOB that took the keys or purchase new software.

 

[Newbie Coder]

If its XP Pro & you have the license stickers then you won't have any
problems whatsoever.

Otherwise, you can call Microsoft & get them to release them for you if you
can prove purchase...

I wrote a program that retrieves product keys for Windows systems & there
are many others available as freeware too

If you haven't formatted the machine yet, run one of those:

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

Be careful using products from this site because although they are 100% safe
the pspv program gets picked up by Symantec Antivirus Corporate Version &
maybe others too as password sniffers

I hope this helps,

 

[Dave B.]

What does them being pro vs home have to do with it?

--

 

[Rock]

I have a big problem, we have 7 computers that our concrete company
purchased
Windows XP professional for, the previouse office manager has done
something
with the product key #'s for all of them. I'm having a problem with only 2
computers that i was trying to re-install Windows, WHAT CAN I DO?

If the computers will boot use one of these tools to retrieve the product
key from the registry.

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

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

If the system won't boot here are some ways to retrieve the key:

http://www.dagondesign.com/articles/windows-xp-product-key-recovery/comment-page-2/

http://www.product-key.com/keyfinders/keyfinderPlugin.htm

If none of this works for you, then if the copies are retail contact MS for
replacement per the following article:
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=326246

If they are OEM you'll have to contact the vendor from which they were
purchased for help, though it's unlikely they will be able to get you the
key.

 

[Rock]

If its XP Pro & you have the license stickers then you won't have any
problems whatsoever.

Why does it have to be Pro? If the certificate of authenticity with the
product key is available or attached it doesn't matter whether it's Pro or
Home or MCE or retail or OEM.

Otherwise, you can call Microsoft & get them to release them for you if
you
can prove purchase...

Only if it's a retail version. OEM versions you have to contact the vendor
from whom it was purchased.

<snip>

 

[Guest]

I WANTED TO GIVE ALL OF THE INFO I HAVE IN CASE OF ANY DIFFERENCES. I DON'T
KNOW VERY MUCH ABOUT SETTING UP A COMP, OR THE TECH STUFF, BUT I'M TRYING TO
LEARN !!
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP

 

[Dave B.]

Chill out and turn off the caps lock, if you follow the thread you'll see
I'm asking Newbie this question, not you.

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[Kerry Brown]

Have you looked all over on the computers themselves? OEM versions of
Windows are required to have the keys affixed to the computer.

As many people have already replied you may be able to use a utility to get
the key that was used to install Windows. If the computers are from a large
OEM like Dell, HP/Compaq, Gateway, etc this may not help you. Those
computers come with a factory installation that uses a pre-authorized key.
This key will not work for a re-install of Windows by any means other than
the factory restore procedure. If that is the case your only option is to
contact the manufacturer of the computer or purchase new copies of Windows.
Your best bet would be to contact the previous office manager and find out
where the keys are.

 

[Newbie Coder]

Activation

Microsoft lock the product key so you need to call their freephone number to
get it released to allow re-activation. I have never had this problem with
XP pro - never