Can't load XP; Don't have a key number.

[Ronn Botchek]

I have a major problem and need assistance. This summer,
I purchased a computer from a neighbor who was moving. He
said the hard drive was bad, but I knew that was easily
remedied. Along with the machine, I also purchased the
software (including Windows XP Home Edition) from him. I
recently purchased another drive, installed it, and
started to load XP. When it asked me for the key code, I
didn't have it. The owners manual is very brief, and
has "For distribution only with a new PC" printed on the
end. There is box on the back of the manual that says
that the Certificate of Authenticity label was attached to
the PC by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, there is NO
label to be found ANYWHERE, and I am totally lost. I have
looked everywhere, but no number. I tried to read the old
hard drive, but it is not accessible. The former owner is
long gone and I cannot reach him. Do you have any
suggestions on how I can get the operating system
installed ? A friend suggested that I could send the XP
CD to you for a possible trade for another with a code.
I have no idea what you might be able to do to help, but I
am desperate and am open to any suggestions that you might
have. I appreciate any assistance that you could give
me. Thank you.
Ronn

 

[Edward]

Frankly, Ronn, I think you have 'caught a cold'. It looks like you will need
to buy a new installation Windows XP disc.

Even if you could install the XP CD you bought of your neighbour, it has
already been activated on an earlier machine. This means in about 120 days
it will stop operating. You cannot load XP on more than one machine.

Not having the old installed hard-drive means you cannot look for the
Product Key. If you could, there is a simple device (Magical Jelly Bean
Keyfinder) that you can download free from www.magicaljellybean.com.

Good luck,

Ed

 

[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.
The Product Key is _not_ stored on, nor is it in any way extractable
from, the installation CD.

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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Microsoft cannot and will not provide support for an OEM license.
The OP's only recourse is to get the Product Key from the original
owner, as even the OEM isn't obligated to help anyone but the original
owner of the PC.

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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Microsoft cannot and will not provide support for an OEM license.
Your only recourse is to get the Product Key from the PC's original
owner, as even the OEM (the PC's manufacturer) isn't obligated to help
anyone but the original owner of the PC. Of course, it also can't
hurt to ask them, I suppose. They might give you a Product Key in the
hopes of generating good will and possible future sales.


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