Lost Product Key

  • Thread starter Thread starter John Bowse
  • Start date Start date
J

John Bowse

I have a Dell Dimension 4550 desktop with Windows XP Home
Edition operating system installed. I need to do a
complete re-install of XP and have the original disk that
came with this computer. However, I can't locate the
product key for the disk. How do I get the correct
product key information? Dell tech support told me to
contact Microsoft; but, how do I get through to Microsoft
without paying the #35 fee?
 
John;
Microsoft can not help since it is OEM.
You need to contact Dell unless you locate the Product Key.
Look all over the computer case.
It should be a 1" x 2" Certificate of Authenticity affixed to the
computer.

If Windows XP is still installed and as long as you reinstalled using
the correct Product Key, follow this link:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
Near the bottom "View Product Key XP"
This will not display the correct key if it is still the original
factory load.
 
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.
The Product Key is _not_ stored on, nor is it in any way extractable
from, the installation CD.

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
OS; 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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