License Key Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

Hello All,
I have lost my license key (it was accidently thrown away) and would like to
know if I can somehow find it in my computer. If so, where do I look? Thanks
in advance for any help with this. My XP is ok, I just don't want to get to
the point where I need it and don't have it.
 
The Neophyte said:
Hello All,
I have lost my license key (it was accidently thrown away) and would like
to
know if I can somehow find it in my computer. If so, where do I look?
Thanks
in advance for any help with this. My XP is ok, I just don't want to get
to
the point where I need it and don't have it.
Click to expand...

If the computer is running any one of a number of utilities will retrieve
the key for you.

ViewXP http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/ViewKeyXP.exe

AIDA32 http://www.aumha.org/freeware.htm

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
 
Unless the machine contains the original XP Oem installed application, then Belarc and other tools may not provided the appropriate key. If an OEM machine(e.g Dell, HP, Micron, or similar etc), the user may have a sticker on the side or back of the machine with the key necessary for use with an XP reinstallation.

: Go to:
: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
: Download it and run it. It will show licence key for Windows and all other
: installed applications.
:
:
 
The said:
Hello All,
I have lost my license key (it was accidently thrown away) and would like to
know if I can somehow find it in my computer. If so, where do I look? Thanks
in advance for any help with this. My XP is ok, I just don't want to get to
the point where I need it and don't have it.
Click to expand...


The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is not on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form.
It 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 Belarc
Advisor from http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html 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 the computer's
manufacturer; 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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