G
Guest
Is there a way to recover a lost product key?
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G
Got Milk
maybe with proof of purchase...but I doubt it
not all too positive though.
not all too positive though.
K
Kath Adams
Is there a way to recover a lost product key?
If the prgram is already installed on your PC, try downloading and using
the following. It will list product keys of all programs on your PC.
(And for those who would recommend Aida, I agree, but the following is
simpler for newbies.)
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
T
t.cruise
If it's your Windows XP Product Key:
If it was on a sticker on your PC, then it was an OEM version of Windows,
for which Microsoft does not offer support. The support is the
responsibility of the PC maker that shipped the system with the OEM version.
If your system is still under warranty then you should contact the PC
maker's support.
But, if your computer is still operational you can download and use the
utility ViewKeyXP to retrieve it from your hard drive:
Retrieve your Windows XP CD key
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm
[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]
Then write down the key if you should need it again.
If it was on a sticker on your PC, then it was an OEM version of Windows,
for which Microsoft does not offer support. The support is the
responsibility of the PC maker that shipped the system with the OEM version.
If your system is still under warranty then you should contact the PC
maker's support.
But, if your computer is still operational you can download and use the
utility ViewKeyXP to retrieve it from your hard drive:
Retrieve your Windows XP CD key
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm
[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]
Then write down the key if you should need it again.
B
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 AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php 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 whomever sold you the
PC; 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:
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
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 AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php 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 whomever sold you the
PC; 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:
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH