A question about product key............

[foamy]

But first FFFUUUUUUCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKK.

There, that felt better.

OK, legit winxp home, got some insideous virus, finally [ after
10 stinking hours ] got win 98 installed and was going to install
winxp and get back in the saddle---but like a goof discovered
when the installation asked for it, I threw away the piece of shit
folder with the product key.

So, is there a way to read the key off the cd ? I know there are
proggies to read the registry, but I don't have xp installed. Or,
can anyone clue me in as to who I should contact to get a key
which will allow me to install the effin pos I paid good money
for ?

Thanks

Jim

 

[Will Denny]

Hi Jim

Swearing in these NGs doesn't 'cut mustard'. As for your problem, if you have thrown away the 25 AlphaNumeric Product Key, without writing it down somewhere, then you can either go back to the supplier that you purchased the XP CD from to see if they can help or you will have to purchase another copy of XP. If you activated XP before you were infected by the virus, you can contact Microsoft to see if they can help.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

But first FFFUUUUUUCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKK.

There, that felt better.

OK, legit winxp home, got some insideous virus, finally [ after
10 stinking hours ] got win 98 installed and was going to install
winxp and get back in the saddle---but like a goof discovered
when the installation asked for it, I threw away the piece of shit
folder with the product key.

So, is there a way to read the key off the cd ? I know there are
proggies to read the registry, but I don't have xp installed. Or,
can anyone clue me in as to who I should contact to get a key
which will allow me to install the effin pos I paid good money
for ?

Thanks

Jim

 

[foamy]

Hi Jim

Swearing in these NGs doesn't 'cut mustard'.

Thanks Will, I'll bear that in mind the next time I get the
urge to swear or cut mustard.

. If you activated XP before you were =

infected by the virus, you can contact Microsoft to see if they can =
help.

Yes I activated when I installed xp.

Jim

 

[Will Denny]

Thanks Will, I'll bear that in mind the next time I get the
urge to swear or cut mustard.

If you activated XP before you were =

Yes I activated when I installed xp.

Jim

Hi Jim

If you did activate XP, then you can try contacting MS for some help on this problem. Try the following link:

http://www.microsoft.com/canada/contactus/default.mspx

 

[ct]

So you are really mad at yourself for being a dumbass.

CT

 

[John Ski]

So, is there a way to read the key off the cd ? I know

there are
installed.

The CD isn't tied to a specific Product Key. MS just uses an algorithm to make
sure that the Key you type in is in a legitimate format. Don't have the
Replacement Key link right at hand, but I'm sure someone will provide it for
you or you can search the MS Site.

HTH,
John
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"
***Arthur C. Clarke***

 

[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 AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php 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
OS; 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

 

[foamy]

So you are really mad at yourself for being a dumbass.

CT

Of course. But I'm not surprised, I seem to do it all the time.

Jim