Lost XP Pro Serial #

[John L Cummins Jr]

I had XP Pro OEM on my PC that I purchased from a vender.
I had the licence key and I activated it online just like
I should. I had some ossues so I reformated and went to re-
install. Can find serial # now what do I do?

 

[Yves Leclerc]

Buy another XP Pro! MS will not help you since the software is OEM.

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

Is the CD key on a sticker on your computer? Have you tried contacting the
hardware manufacturer's support folks? MS can't help you with OEM
versions.....

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, John.

If you cannot find the key stuck to the computer somewhere, or in the
documentation you got with it, then check with the vendor. Only the vendor
knows for sure how to find your key for an OEM version of WinXP.

RC

 

[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
--
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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Alex Nichol]

I had XP Pro OEM on my PC that I purchased from a vender.
I had the licence key and I activated it online just like
I should. I had some ossues so I reformated and went to re-
install. Can find serial # now what do I do?

The vendor ought to have put a label on the outside of the machine's
case that includes it. If not and you have already reformatted, all you
can do is get onto the vendor to see if he can help