how to find product key if software is lost

[sbjen]

Is there a way to find the product key for Windows XP
(and office XP also) if I don't have the software? I
bought a laptop from a dealer on e-bay and it camw pre-
loaded with Windows XP and Office 2003, but I didn't get
any disks. It seems to be activated, but I'm worried that
if I need to reinstall, I will not have the product key.
If there's any way to find the product key for future
reference, I'd appreciate any answers.
Thanks!

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (version 6.1)
Visit: www.belarc.com

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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


| Is there a way to find the product key for Windows XP
| (and office XP also) if I don't have the software? I
| bought a laptop from a dealer on e-bay and it camw pre-
| loaded with Windows XP and Office 2003, but I didn't get
| any disks. It seems to be activated, but I'm worried that
| if I need to reinstall, I will not have the product key.
| If there's any way to find the product key for future
| reference, I'd appreciate any answers.
| Thanks!

 

[Cerridwen]

Is there a way to find the product key for Windows XP
(and office XP also) if I don't have the software? I
bought a laptop from a dealer on e-bay and it camw pre-
loaded with Windows XP and Office 2003, but I didn't get
any disks. It seems to be activated, but I'm worried that
if I need to reinstall, I will not have the product key.
If there's any way to find the product key for future
reference, I'd appreciate any answers.
Thanks!

The bleedin' obvious isn't your strong suit is it? Just how, exactly, do you
propose to reinstall if you don't have the discs?! Thought projection?! ;o)

This is what happens when you don't buy a computer from a reputable
supplier. I suggest you contact the seller and demand the discs. When
selling a system the vendor is obligated to supply all discs that were
supplied to him with said system. He is in violation of the EULA if he
refuses and you can report him to eBay and demand a refund. How did you pay
for the unit?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

If you didn't get the installation CDs, the Certificates of
Authenticity, and the Product Keys, then you did not get a valid
license to use the OS or the applications. If the licenses were
supposed to be part of the purchase, contact the seller to get
everything that you paid for. You should also let eBay know that
you've been defrauded via their service.

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

 

[Guest]

How are you going to reinstall without the software?

 

[sbjen]

Obviously I have other copies of Windows XP... so I'm not
worried about having the software. I just don't have the
specific product key... and since you can't use the same
key and activate on diferent computers, I would like to
be able to reload legally.

I ran belarc advisor, and it gives the software license,
but not the product key you need when installing.

And no, I'm not a moron.. I can grasp the obvious. And
it's obvious that some people like to be insulting and
try and belittle other users, instead of responsing with
something helpful to say.

I bought the laptop from a "dealer" on e-bay.. and would
probably not do so again. It was for my mom, who has
limited resources and could not afford a new laptop.
Obviously, I'm not thrilled with the vendor and not
getting disks... but I'm not some dimwit who deserves to
be insulted.

 

[Cerridwen]

Obviously I have other copies of Windows XP... so I'm not
worried about having the software. I just don't have the
specific product key... and since you can't use the same
key and activate on diferent computers, I would like to
be able to reload legally.

I ran belarc advisor, and it gives the software license,
but not the product key you need when installing.

And no, I'm not a moron.. I can grasp the obvious. And
it's obvious that some people like to be insulting and
try and belittle other users, instead of responsing with
something helpful to say.

I bought the laptop from a "dealer" on e-bay.. and would
probably not do so again. It was for my mom, who has
limited resources and could not afford a new laptop.
Obviously, I'm not thrilled with the vendor and not
getting disks... but I'm not some dimwit who deserves to
be insulted.

Actually, you are. Buying a computer from someone on eBay is just about the
most dimwitted thing you can do. You have no warranty, no support and no
redress should things go the way of the pear.

And why don't they have their own PKs? The PK that was used to install XP on
the laptop is tied to it forever and cannot be reused (which was why the BA
didn't give it to you as it doesn't retrieve OEM keys). You cannot use an
OEM key with a retail licence and vice versa.

You must really love your mother if you waste her money on some cowboy on
eBay. Dell has some very good deals - how much did you pay and what were the
specs? Depending on what your mother wants it for Dell are currently
offering a 2GHz Celeron with 256MB and a 20GB HD (a little on the small
side, IMO) for under £600.

 

[sbjen]

Get a life. Do you have anything better to do than to
insult people in newsgroups? If you have nothing
constructive to offer other than belittling comments,
maybe you should butt out. Thanks (not) for your help.