Lost product key for XP

[Guest]

Is there a way to get my product key from Microsoft or off the computer as XP
will not let me in and I seem to have lost the key.

 

[Raoul]

Depending on where you bought the PC, sometimes it's on a tag on the back of
the PC.

Is there a way to get my product key from Microsoft or off the computer as
XP
will not let me in and I seem to have lost the key.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Microsoft cannot give you your key, you were supposed to keep the packaging
that states "do not lose this...". If your system came preinstalled you
should contact the manufacturer for assistance in getting a new key. If it
was a retail version, call Microsoft Product support at 1-800-936-5700 (US).

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Chelsea]

If you registered XP with Microsoft then they will probably help you. If you
didn't then for all they know you have a pirated copy and are trying to
legitimize it with a genuine CD key. Are you installing XP or are you being
presented with the Activate Now screen?

Chelsea

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Is there a way to get my product key from Microsoft or off the computer as XP
will not let me in and I seem to have lost the key.

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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