I Need My Lost Product ID

[Chris]

My computer was getting slow so i decided to format it.
So i did i formatted it , installed windows 98 , and went
to install xp when i noticed that i lost my product ID.
so now i sitting here with a computer baddley needing Xp
Can someone help me? Please?

 

[purplehaz]

If you didn't format the drive you could have retrieved the key, but now its
gone. If this is an oem computer try looking on the case for the COA
sticker or call who makes it, maybe they can help. But, I think you may have
learned a 100-200 dollar lessen. ALWAYS store the product key in a safe
place. When you buy windows you really buy a very expensive number(key) and
a 50 cent cd. The key is the important part.
BTW -- there is no need to install win98 before xp. XP cds can do a clean
install with no os previously installed. You just need the win98 cd to pop
in when it asks you.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

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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