CD Key

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Guest

Hi all. I have a fresh copy of XP Pro that i want to put on my box to replace
the Home verison i have. Problem is, I lost the CD key for the new copy and
it will not let me finish installing.

Q1 - Can I use the CD key for the XP on Home just to install, and use a
keyfinder once it is installed to get the legitamate key?

Q2 - If not, how do I check the key on the disk?

Q3 - Or do i have to pony up another $150:(

Thanks all.
 
The answer is Q3 :(

CDs don't have anything on it. they are mass produced and so they don't
contain unique serial numbers. You lost it so you pay for it.

hth
 
Well, then you'll have to purchase a new copy of
Windows XP Professional to solve your issue.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

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

:

| That link is only leading to dead-ends for me.
 
Contact the person or company that sold you the copy.

If you are lucky, they recorded the key that you purchased. A lot of us
smaller OEMs keep records of customer keys and software release forms just
in case we are ever audited we will have proof all copies we have sold are
legitimate.


--
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-
 
Zeretul1 said:
Hi all. I have a fresh copy of XP Pro that i want to put on my box to replace
the Home verison i have. Problem is, I lost the CD key for the new copy and
it will not let me finish installing.

Q1 - Can I use the CD key for the XP on Home just to install,
Click to expand...


No, it won't work. Product Keys are bound to the specific type and
language of CD and/or license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade)
with which they are purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product
Key won't work for any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version
of WinXP Pro, and vice versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used
with a full version CD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not
work to install a retail product. An Italian Product Key will not work
with an English CD. Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be
mixed & matched.

and use a
keyfinder once it is installed to get the legitamate key?
Click to expand...


How do you even figure that would help? You'd have installed using the
WinXP Home Product Key (assuming it would have worked, which it
wouldn't) so that's the Key any software would find.

Q2 - If not, how do I check the key on the disk?
Click to expand...


The Product Key is not stored on the installation CD in any way,
shape, or form. 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.


Q3 - Or do i have to pony up another $150:(
Click to expand...


To recover a lost Product Key:

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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