Install Key in registry

[scGram]

My computer motherboard was fried and replaced under warranty by a HP
service center. They reinstalled windows XP home, but did not install from
my original disk. I understand that the original activation key may not be
valid with the new motherboard installed and am concerned that if I need to
reinstall XP, I will not be able to validate the installation.

Where in the registry can I find the key that was used for this
installation? or is there a program that can get this information for me.

 

[TaurArian [MS-MVP]]

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.41
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

--

====================================
TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2007 - Australia
====================================
How to make a good post: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
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| My computer motherboard was fried and replaced under warranty by a HP
| service center. They reinstalled windows XP home, but did not install from
| my original disk. I understand that the original activation key may not be
| valid with the new motherboard installed and am concerned that if I need to
| reinstall XP, I will not be able to validate the installation.
|
| Where in the registry can I find the key that was used for this
| installation? or is there a program that can get this information for me.
|
| --
| Dori ...
| -----------------------------------------------
|
|

 

[Dave B.]

Even when your PC was new, the key on the COA sticker did not match the key
on the installation of XP that was in use. Most OEM's use imaging to load
the data on the drive using a single key, so don't be surprised if your
key's don't match.

 

[Ron Martell]

My computer motherboard was fried and replaced under warranty by a HP
service center. They reinstalled windows XP home, but did not install from
my original disk. I understand that the original activation key may not be
valid with the new motherboard installed and am concerned that if I need to
reinstall XP, I will not be able to validate the installation.

Where in the registry can I find the key that was used for this
installation? or is there a program that can get this information for me.

If HP replaced your motherboard under warranty then your original
license and product key will still be valid.

The issues with motherboard replacements arise when the computer has a
BIOS Locked OEM version of Windows XP installed and the new
motherboard is not from the same OEM that manufactured/assembled the
original computer.

Hope this clarifies the situation.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."