lost product keycode

[bobby]

I was curious to konw if anyone knows how to reobtain my
product keycode for winxp home. I am reinstalling xp home
on this pc because my pc crashed and ive lost everything,
i even wrote the original 25 digit product keycode on my
xp cd, yet i go to type it in the boxes and it
says "invalid keycode" i checked it repeatedly before i
wrote it and it was exact, yet now i am at a loss. i have
found the product id number 20 digit, but that wont work,
can anyone please help?

 

[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
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.

You need to examine the Product Key very carefully. It's awfully
easy to mistake a "B" for an "8," a "G" for a "6," an "S" for a "5,"
or a "Q" for a "0" or "O." Fortunately, Microsoft had the good sense
to leave the "1's," "I's," "O's," and "0's" out of the equation.
Also, be sure that your CapsLock if _off_ while entering the Product
Key.

Troubleshooting Invalid CD Key Error Message During Windows XP Setup
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310637


Bruce Chambers

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having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Jack]

next time...write it on your PC chasssis with a thick felt pen......come
on...use your you know what...