Finding Installation Code Key

[James Coates]

I have a PC that is some months old and came with Win XP
Home installed. I can not find the Code Key for XP
anywhere in the original documentation that came with the
PC.

I may have to re-install XP on my machine, but it is
running Ok now. Is there a way I can find the
installation Code Key somewhere in my current
installation?

Please advise. Thanks.

 

[Gary Tsang]

Download this simple utlity and run it on WinXP to find the product key:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

 

[Nicholas]

If your computer is still operational:

Retrieve your Windows XP CD key
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]


If your computer is not operational:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[ln];326246


Some Advice: You should not post your primary email address in a public newsgroup!

How to Trim the "Spam" from Your E-Mail Diet
http://www.microsoft.com/security/articles/spam.asp


--
Nicholas

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| I have a PC that is some months old and came with Win XP
| Home installed. I can not find the Code Key for XP
| anywhere in the original documentation that came with the
| PC.
|
| I may have to re-install XP on my machine, but it is
| running Ok now. Is there a way I can find the
| installation Code Key somewhere in my current
| installation?
|
| Please advise. Thanks.

 

[Jim]

Thanks guys, both solutions work fine!

 

[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

--
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having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Michael Stevens]

Thanks guys, both solutions work fine!

Did you check the outside of the case, OEM's are required to place the COA
with the CD key on the outside of the case.
If you have not reinstalled XP since you purchased it, the CD Key you
retreive may be the generic key used by the OEM to install and is not a
valid key to reinstall.
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
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