Lost product key

[Mark]

Hi All
As you all know when installing windows you need to type in a 25 digit
product code that comes on a stupid sticker attached to the system case

What can I do now that the sticker has been damaged beyond reading and i
need to reinstall windows after the hard drive died?
Is there a generic number or something i can use till i reactivate the
product ovewr the internet or some other way of installing without using the
key?

I still have the original disc.

TIA
Mark

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Mark;
If Windows XP is still installed:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
Near the bottom "View Product Key XP"

Otherwise, since the Product Key is affixed to the computer, you have
OEM.
Contact the seller.

Otherwise you could try Microsoft:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246
Since you have OEM, Microsoft may not be able to help.

 

[Jym]

The retail version has the sticker on the disk cover . This can be recovered
or supplied by contacting MS. The "sticker on the case" was applied by the
manufacture and their license is different. They have to be contacted for a
product key replacement . No matter which one that a user has it is pretty
well known that MS was going to enforce their licensing agreement and having
the "product key number" would be essential for reinstallation.
Having a retail disk is nice to have and worth the money . Jym