lost the software key for my XP Pro upgrade

[Darren]

The HD on my desktop failed and I'm starting from scratch
with a new one. I've restored the OS (Windows ME) that
originally came with the desktop, but I can't use the XP
Pro upgrade CD I bought, because I don't have the product
key anymore. I know that I registered the upgrade with
Microsoft after I originally installed it - do they store
my key information anywhere, and can I get it from them?

Thanks.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

The HD on my desktop failed and I'm starting from scratch
with a new one. I've restored the OS (Windows ME) that
originally came with the desktop, but I can't use the XP
Pro upgrade CD I bought, because I don't have the product
key anymore. I know that I registered the upgrade with
Microsoft after I originally installed it - do they store
my key information anywhere, and can I get it from them?

Thanks.

If it was a Retail copy and you have proof of the purchase:
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246


If it was an OEM license, you may be out of luck - contact those you
purchased it from.

 

[AnnonUser]

Darren wrote:



If it was a Retail copy and you have proof of the purchase:
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246


If it was an OEM license, you may be out of luck - contact those you
purchased it from.

Is there, hopefully, a sticker on the case somewhere with the licensing
info?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

The HD on my desktop failed and I'm starting from scratch
with a new one. I've restored the OS (Windows ME) that
originally came with the desktop, but I can't use the XP
Pro upgrade CD I bought, because I don't have the product
key anymore. I know that I registered the upgrade with
Microsoft after I originally installed it - do they store
my key information anywhere, and can I get it from them?

If it was a Retail copy and you have proof of the purchase:
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or
Hardware http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246

If it was an OEM license, you may be out of luck - contact those you
purchased it from.

Is there, hopefully, a sticker on the case somewhere with the
licensing info?

If it was a retail box, either on the CD case or on a paper insert from
inside the box.

If it was wrapped in cellophane with a cardboard piece behind it, same idea
(piece of paper) OR the CD Key could be on a sticker stuck on the PC itself.

If the latter sounds more familiar, Microsoft cannot help you, only the
people you bought it from can.
The former? Go to the website I gave.

 

[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 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 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

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