lost product id

[rmcfarron]

I had a hard disk crash and had to reinstall Windows XP.
However, I cannot find my product id for the installation
process. Is there anything I can do?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Guest]

You can find the product id inside the cd rom, when click
explore and there will be a icon called information, the
key should be in there

 

[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 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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[Kelly]

Product key replacement
Call Microsoft @ 1-800-936-5700, press 0 for customer
service. Let someone know you lost your product key and
need a new one to reinstall. Have your disk ready because
they will ask you for some information from it. If the
software came preinstalled on your computer, the key will
be free of charge. If it is a retail copy, there will be
a $10 charge to a major credit card for a replacement
key. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 5am-9pm PST and
Saturday & Sunday 6am-3pm PST

 

[XS11E]

You can find the product id inside the cd rom, when click
explore and there will be a icon called information, the
key should be in there

???? Not in mine ???

 

[Michael Stevens]

You can find the product id inside the cd rom, when click
explore and there will be a icon called information, the
key should be in there

Nope, Windows CD's do not have individual keys. They are mass produced and
each version is exactly the same.
Click on or copy and paste the link below into your web browser address bar.
Contact Microsoft.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#need
--


Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
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