Need Help Concerning Reinstallation of Windows XP Home Edition

[lars96822]

My computer seemed to got a virus that caused severe problems. I
couldn't get rid of it, so I tried reinstalling Windows. There's was
an option that to repair my operating system, so I selected it. It
stopped and restarted the computer when it said, "Time remaining: 34
minutes". So I get really fed up after I did this thrice, so I just
deleted my entire OS and tried installing a fresh new copy. But then,
I realized I made a huge mistake since I lost my product key. So, I'm
left with a computer with no OS, with no way of downloading some
program that tells you your product key. I'm typing this on a
different computer and hope you guys can help. I was wondering if
Microsoft is able to replace my key or issue a new one. Keep in mind,
I built this computer myself and I think I bought the OEM. I still
have the package and everything. I also think I have my registration
code. It's the one that's like xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx, right?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

My computer seemed to got a virus that caused severe problems.

What specific virus? Did you carefully follow the removal instructions
provided by the manufacturer of the antivirus application that detected it?

I
couldn't get rid of it, so I tried reinstalling Windows.

Why would you think that such an action would remove a virus? Only if
you formatted the hard drive as part of the installation could that
possibly have helped.

There's was
an option that to repair my operating system, so I selected it. It
stopped and restarted the computer when it said, "Time remaining: 34
minutes".

Had you taken the standard precaution of disconnecting any unnecessary
peripherals before starting the repair installation, most especially all
USB devices?

Setup stops responding with 34 minutes remaining
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828267

So I get really fed up after I did this thrice, so I just
deleted my entire OS and tried installing a fresh new copy. But then,
I realized I made a huge mistake since I lost my product key. So, I'm
left with a computer with no OS, with no way of downloading some
program that tells you your product key. I'm typing this on a
different computer and hope you guys can help. I was wondering if
Microsoft is able to replace my key or issue a new one. Keep in mind,
I built this computer myself and I think I bought the OEM. I still
have the package and everything. I also think I have my registration
code. It's the one that's like xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx, right?

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a brightly colored
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 the installation CD in any way, shape,
or form.

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 the computer's
manufacturer; 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:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell

 

[lars96822]

What specific virus? Did you carefully follow the removal instructions
provided by the manufacturer of the antivirus application that detected it?




Why would you think that such an action would remove a virus? Only if
you formatted the hard drive as part of the installation could that
possibly have helped.




Had you taken the standard precaution of disconnecting any unnecessary
peripherals before starting the repair installation, most especially all
USB devices?

Setup stops responding with 34 minutes remaining
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828267




The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a brightly colored
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 the installation CD in any way, shape,
or form.

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 the computer's
manufacturer; 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:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell

I admit I did some pretty stupid things, but I did reformat my hard
drive, and yes I removed all unnecessary peripherals. I did it on my
last try, and got the same results. Although, it might have been
possible that I left the printer still connected, it wasn't a USB
device.