I lost my book and..

  • Thread starter Thread starter B. Rose
  • Start date Start date
B

B. Rose

my basement flooded, and I have lost my book with my cd
key on it. now i had to reformat my HD and I cant get my
XP back on the computer...is there anyway I can retrieve
this from Microsoft...I paid for and registered it?
 
It is retail. I pre-purchased this from Microsoft before
it was released. I found that article, but what is
PSS...it doesnt list that.
 
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.

Make sure you include the cost of a new WinXP license on your
insurance claims.

Bruce Chambers

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