I lost my COA

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rogue
  • Start date Start date
R

Rogue

I can't find my COA for the OEM version of MS Windows
XP. Is there a way to recover the key from the computer?
 
Nicholas gave you the URL of a program that will let you get the key.
However, it was a requirement for the OEM that they stick the COA to the
case of your computer. Have you checked there?

Oli
 
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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-----Original Message-----
-----Original Message-----
I can't find my COA for the OEM version of MS Windows
XP. Is there a way to recover the key from the computer?
.
Click to expand...
Hello!
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[ln];326246
with regards,
ssg
pronetworks.org
.
Click to expand...

Hi!
I am so sorry I only ead the heading of your post and replied.
Here you can get:-
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm
http://crawlclick.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20
http://www.freewareweb.com/cgi-bin/archive.cgi?ID=1605
Once again saying sorry.
good luck
ssg
pronetworks.org
 
Rogue said:
I can't find my COA for the OEM version of MS Windows
XP. Is there a way to recover the key from the computer?
Click to expand...


It ought to be on a label fixed to the case of the machine if this was a
machine bought with Windows installed. If it is an OEM one you
installed yourself, get the free Aida 32, enterprise edition from
http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=32
which is an excellent general System Info tool, and its Software -
Licenses page will tell you the one used for Windows and ones for
several other items.

Note that if the machine came with XP installed, this will probably give
a key used in producing an original image, then cloned to all machines
they make. So it is not the one for a reinstall. But then the key will
be on that label on the case
 
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