Lost activation code...How can I get it again

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Guest

I recently had to whip out my computer because of a
virus. I want to do a clean install of Windows XP but
the activation key was not with the disk and now I can
not put it on until I have it. This is an older computer
so the Windows sticker is not on the computer tower. Is
there anyway to pull the code off the disk? Or a number
I can call?
 
I recently had to whip out my computer because of a
virus. I want to do a clean install of Windows XP but
the activation key was not with the disk and now I can
not put it on until I have it. This is an older computer
so the Windows sticker is not on the computer tower. Is
there anyway to pull the code off the disk? Or a number
I can call?
Click to expand...

You can get it back with a tool from here:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

You may wish to review your overall approach to
licence numbers, and whether your record keeping
method (printed on a sheet of paper!) of all your
licence numbers is in line with the large amount of
money you paid for the associated software.
 
I recently had to whip out my computer because of a
virus. I want to do a clean install of Windows XP but
the activation key was not with the disk and now I can
not put it on until I have it. This is an older computer
so the Windows sticker is not on the computer tower. Is
there anyway to pull the code off the disk? Or a number
I can call?
Click to expand...


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 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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