How to extract Serial Number from an installed system.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gilgamesh
  • Start date Start date
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Gilgamesh

Hello,
Now that I have SP2 I want to do a clean fresh install of my system to
remove all the accumulated rubbish. Unfortunately my better half went into
a cleaning frenzy (something akin to a sharks feeding frenzy where anything
not bolted down is thrown out) and so we no longer have the serial number to
enter.

I don't think I need to go through the exercise of getting a new serial
number if I can extract the exiting one from my system prior to blowing it
away for the fresh install.

Any suggestions on how to achieve this would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
Download Everest Home Edition (free). Install. Look under Operating System-
it will tell you.

Fitz
 
Gilgamesh said:
Hello,
Now that I have SP2 I want to do a clean fresh install of my system to
remove all the accumulated rubbish. Unfortunately my better half
went into a cleaning frenzy (something akin to a sharks feeding
frenzy where anything not bolted down is thrown out) and so we no
longer have the serial number to enter.

I don't think I need to go through the exercise of getting a new
serial number if I can extract the exiting one from my system prior
to blowing it away for the fresh install.

Any suggestions on how to achieve this would be appreciated.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
Find Product Key [CD Key]
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
 
Gilgamesh said:
Hello,
Now that I have SP2 I want to do a clean fresh install of my system
to
remove all the accumulated rubbish. Unfortunately my better half
went into a cleaning frenzy (something akin to a sharks feeding
frenzy where anything not bolted down is thrown out) and so we no
longer have the serial number to enter.

I don't think I need to go through the exercise of getting a new
serial number if I can extract the exiting one from my system prior
to blowing it away for the fresh install.

Any suggestions on how to achieve this would be appreciated.

Thanks
Click to expand...


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

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having
both at once. - RAH
 
What if the windows is not installed how could u get the serial numbe
from it ..

and how could u save it that's mean u didn't tybe it next time when
make setup for it .. auto instert the serial number so u don't have t
type it .


-
mb
 
mbd said:
What if the windows is not installed how could u get the serial number
from it ..

and how could u save it that's mean u didn't tybe it next time when u
make setup for it .. auto instert the serial number so u don't have to
type it ..
Click to expand...

If not installed.. You get the number off the sticker..
The CD contains no such information.
 
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