***HELP - LOST PRODUCT KEY***

  • Thread starter Thread starter CRAIG
  • Start date Start date
C

CRAIG

I am seeking the help of all the computer professionals
out there!!

I am currently about to restore my pc to its original
factory settings to rid of all the crap sitting on the
harddrive, however I have been unable to locate my
microsoft product key for when it prompts to install
windows xp. Does anyone know of any other way of
obtaining this prior to my rebooting if not do you know
who i need to contact.

Many thanks!

Craig
 
If your computer is still operational:

Retrieve your 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


--
Nicholas

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


| I am seeking the help of all the computer professionals
| out there!!
|
| I am currently about to restore my pc to its original
| factory settings to rid of all the crap sitting on the
| harddrive, however I have been unable to locate my
| microsoft product key for when it prompts to install
| windows xp. Does anyone know of any other way of
| obtaining this prior to my rebooting if not do you know
| who i need to contact.
|
| Many thanks!
|
| Craig
 
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 or ViewKeyXP from
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm 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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