lost PID

[Jon Folsom]

I feel really stupid, but when I bought Windows xp home I
had it installed at my local computer shop. When I
picked up my computer I was given the card that had my
PID on it, but somewhere along the way I threw that card
away. I reformatted my hard drive today and didn't
realize that i had thrown that card away until it was too
late. So now I have no PID and no way to fully re-
install my XP. I don't know how I can go about getting
my PID or what I am supposed to do now. Anyone who can
help me please feel free to drop me a line at the adress
above. Thank you to anyone able to help.

 

[Rock]

I feel really stupid, but when I bought Windows xp home I
had it installed at my local computer shop. When I
picked up my computer I was given the card that had my
PID on it, but somewhere along the way I threw that card
away. I reformatted my hard drive today and didn't
realize that i had thrown that card away until it was too
late. So now I have no PID and no way to fully re-
install my XP. I don't know how I can go about getting
my PID or what I am supposed to do now. Anyone who can
help me please feel free to drop me a line at the adress
above. Thank you to anyone able to help.

If it was a retail version of windows XP and you have proof of purchase
then contact MS:
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=326246

If it was an OEM version then you need to contact the vendor you got it
from.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I feel really stupid, but when I bought Windows xp home I
had it installed at my local computer shop. When I
picked up my computer I was given the card that had my
PID on it, but somewhere along the way I threw that card
away. I reformatted my hard drive today and didn't
realize that i had thrown that card away until it was too
late. So now I have no PID and no way to fully re-
install my XP. I don't know how I can go about getting
my PID or what I am supposed to do now. Anyone who can
help me please feel free to drop me a line at the adress
above. Thank you to anyone able to help.

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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