Can I find the product code anywhere?

[Guest]

I bought a new Dell with Windows XP a few months ago and due to my stupidity
managed to get a virus in the registry. I need to start fresh and want to
use the disk that came with the system to reinstall Windows XP. First thing
it asks for is the Product Code. I either didn't get or (most likely) can't
find the license sheet that came with the machine. Is there any way to find
the product code on the machine or in the registry so that I can reinstall??

 

[Bert Kinney]

Hi Dianna,

The WinXP product key can be found attached to the outside of the
(desktop) box, or on the bottom of a notebook.

 

[DJ Borell]

You should have a COA on the bottom of your laptop with the product key. If
for some reason you do not *and* you have not yet formatted the HD, there
are utilities which will show you the product key of your machine. Try this
one:

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

I would point out that, in most instances, an OEM recovery CD has the
product key already entered and usually will not prompt you for it. This
does not happen in all cases, but make sure you are using the proper CD to
do your recovery.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I bought a new Dell with Windows XP a few months ago and due to my stupidity
managed to get a virus in the registry. I need to start fresh and want to
use the disk that came with the system to reinstall Windows XP. First thing
it asks for is the Product Code. I either didn't get or (most likely) can't
find the license sheet that came with the machine. Is there any way to find
the product code on the machine or in the registry so that I can reinstall??

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

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[Guest]

Belarc adviser is great for getting a full inventory of the PC.

I would not sagree that your approach is the most expedient or sure way to
remove the virus.

My recommendation is to get AVG or other good frre anti virus application
and run two or more scan over the PC. For greater chances of success, boot
up to safe mode and then run the Virus Checkers.

Do the same for Malaware, Spybot Search and Destroy is good.

This should cleanse your system and take a few hours less than a fresh
install.

If you are going to reinstall Windows, make sure that you boot off the CD
and FORMAT the existing Hard Drive. Dell sometimes ship a recovery CD that
actually restores the HDD to Factory Fresh state, which may be easier to
manage for you.

Then you'll need to reinstall all your applications.

Whichever you use, make sure you cack [copy to CD] all your personal files.