LOST ACTIVATION CODE

[Guest]

My computer became infected with viruses and after numerous methods to fix
it, I decided to go ahead and re-format the HDD. The problem? I had misplaced
my OEM Windows XP Home Edition CD along with the Activation Code. I've used
my other machine's XP Home Edition CD to install windows, but without that
Activation Code I can't, well, activate it. Because I had activated my
software before over the internet, does Microsoft have my code somewhere?
Because it's OEM, can I not get my Activation Code back? All I have now is
the booklet that came with the CD and Activation Code. This is so frustrating!

(I built my computer so there is no manufacturer I can contact)

Thanks,
Mavirick

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

If you already have a "retail copy" of Windows XP, you can obtain
additional licenses for another computer or laptop by visiting the
following Microsoft Web site:
http://shop.microsoft.com/special/wal/walinfo.asp

Microsoft Windows XP HOME Edition With Service Pack 2 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837102151

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| My computer became infected with viruses and after numerous methods to fix
| it, I decided to go ahead and re-format the HDD. The problem? I had misplaced
| my OEM Windows XP Home Edition CD along with the Activation Code. I've used
| my other machine's XP Home Edition CD to install windows, but without that
| Activation Code I can't, well, activate it. Because I had activated my
| software before over the internet, does Microsoft have my code somewhere?
| Because it's OEM, can I not get my Activation Code back? All I have now is
| the booklet that came with the CD and Activation Code. This is so frustrating!
|
| (I built my computer so there is no manufacturer I can contact)
|
| Thanks,
| Mavirick

 

[Dan Ganek]

My computer became infected with viruses and after numerous methods to fix
it, I decided to go ahead and re-format the HDD. The problem? I had misplaced
my OEM Windows XP Home Edition CD along with the Activation Code. I've used
my other machine's XP Home Edition CD to install windows, but without that
Activation Code I can't, well, activate it. Because I had activated my
software before over the internet, does Microsoft have my code somewhere?
Because it's OEM, can I not get my Activation Code back? All I have now is
the booklet that came with the CD and Activation Code. This is so frustrating!

(I built my computer so there is no manufacturer I can contact)

Thanks,
Mavirick

MS won't help you with any OEM stuff. You could have gotten the license
key off the original install but since you wiped the disk you can't any
longer (unless you have a backup).

Was the newly installed XP retail or OEM? If retail you can buy another
license from MS. Or, buy another OEM CD and re-install.

/dan

 

[Bruce Chambers]

My computer became infected with viruses and after numerous methods to fix
it, I decided to go ahead and re-format the HDD. The problem? I had misplaced
my OEM Windows XP Home Edition CD along with the Activation Code. I've used
my other machine's XP Home Edition CD to install windows, but without that
Activation Code I can't, well, activate it. Because I had activated my
software before over the internet, does Microsoft have my code somewhere?
Because it's OEM, can I not get my Activation Code back? All I have now is
the booklet that came with the CD and Activation Code. This is so frustrating!

(I built my computer so there is no manufacturer I can contact)

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." It is not on the installation CD
in any way, shape, or form. 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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