Lost CD key

[Rick Phelps]

I am trying to reinstall XP home on a PC. The CD key has
been ripped off the side of the PC, so I do not have a
product key. I have the original XP cd.

How can I reinstall XP or how do I get the product key?

My email is (e-mail address removed)

Thanks. Rick

 

[Jack Gillis]

If your original installation is still working you can use a
downloadable program called viewkeyxp.exe to show you the key of the
installed system. Here is one source of the program:

http://bitzi.com/lookup/DWJBXXAP3O3SZYUNKE5ONIYR63PJGC5V. I'm sure
there are others, too.

If it is not working, I don't have a clue. But good luck!

 

[cato]

Had similar situation once. In the middle of the CD there is an identifier
number. (It is very difficult to read it.) Call Microsoft customer service
if you have the CD. In my case they gave me a key by telephone after they
checked the number on the CD. Good luck.

 

[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.)

Since it was an OEM license, you should contact whomever sold you
the OS; 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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