lost COA

[Neville Ruggier]

I had installed windows XP home and I need to format my
computer but I have a problem because I lost the
Certificate of Authenticity. On the label that is left on
the book is 0043-469-564-819

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

If your computer is still operational:

Retrieve your Windows XP CD key
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]


If your computer is not operational:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[ln];326246

OEM versions of Windows XP are not supported by
Microsoft. Only "retail versions" of Windows XP are
supported by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot issue you
a replacement Product Key for an OEM version.... only
if it were a "retail version". Technical support for an
OEM version is the responsibility of the company that
sold you the OEM version of Windows XP.


--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User

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| I had installed windows XP home and I need to format my
| computer but I have a problem because I lost the
| Certificate of Authenticity. On the label that is left on
| the book is 0043-469-564-819

 

[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 holographic label that the PC
manufacturer is supposed to affix to the exterior of the PC case, or
on the bottom of a laptop. The Product Key is _not_ stored on, nor is
it in any way extractable from, the installation CD.

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.)

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 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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