Lost Product Key

  • Thread starter Thread starter hondaman
  • Start date Start date
H

hondaman

If a product key to Windows XP was lost but you have the holographic CD is
there anyway to have Microsoft issue you a valid key? The operating system
is not installed on another PC. Thanks for your help.

-jeff
 
hondaman said:
If a product key to Windows XP was lost but you have the holographic
CD is there anyway to have Microsoft issue you a valid key? The
operating system is not installed on another PC. Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...

If the XP installation is still running and good, use one of these key
finders to get the product key:

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

If you can't do that:

If you have lost your XP product Key, the best option is to call
Microsoft. Call on Microsoft Licensing Fulfillment Center Toll Free
Number (800) 248-0655 Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Pacific time.

Contact Microsoft page -
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=csscontactfind

MS International Support -
http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx

Malke
 
hondaman said:
If a product key to Windows XP was lost but you have the holographic CD is
there anyway to have Microsoft issue you a valid key? The operating system
is not installed on another PC. Thanks for your help.

-jeff
Click to expand...


The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a brightly colored
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.
The Product Key is not stored on the installation CD in any way, shape,
or form.

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

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin
 
I downloaded and run the belarc program but I don't see the product key
anywhere. Am I missing something?
 
Hi Charlie,

Usually the product keys are listed near the bottom of the analysis page.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
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