Incomplete login number on COA

[paynegaz]

I had purchased a new computer with Windows XP loaded in,
The Windows XP COA label was attached to the computer. I
had a problem with the computer when I loaded XP again, I
found the label attached to my computer has 5 digits,
then 3, then 3 again, and finally 3 more digits, for a
total of 14 digits, the screen for loading XP requires 25
digits. How do I find the missing digits to load XP back
on?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I had purchased a new computer with Windows XP loaded in,
The Windows XP COA label was attached to the computer. I
had a problem with the computer when I loaded XP again, I
found the label attached to my computer has 5 digits,
then 3, then 3 again, and finally 3 more digits, for a
total of 14 digits, the screen for loading XP requires 25
digits. How do I find the missing digits to load XP back
on?

OEM Windows XP - your support (unfortunately) is the people who sold you the
OEM copy.

 

[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 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
PC; 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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