Need serious help

[lars96822]

I got a critical error and I had to reinstall Windows XP Home Edition.
I tried repairing it using the OS CD but for some reason, the Windows
setup stopped at 34 minutes and restarted the computer and would
continue on in an endless cycle. So, I got fed up and deleted Windows
and tried reinstalling it again entirely. By then, I realized that I
made a stupid mistake because I lost my product key, so I'm left with a
computer without any operating system. I was wondering if Microsoft is
able to issue a new key or something. I'm typing this on a different
computer and I have my registration number. It's something like
xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx, right?

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I got a critical error and I had to reinstall Windows XP Home Edition.
I tried repairing it using the OS CD but for some reason, the Windows
setup stopped at 34 minutes and restarted the computer and would
continue on in an endless cycle. So, I got fed up and deleted Windows
and tried reinstalling it again entirely. By then, I realized that I
made a stupid mistake because I lost my product key, so I'm left with a
computer without any operating system. I was wondering if Microsoft is
able to issue a new key or something. I'm typing this on a different
computer and I have my registration number. It's something like
xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx, right?

No, the product key looks like so: aaaaa-bbbbb-ccccc-ddddd-eeeee-fffff.
It is stuck to the jewel case of your WinXP CD, right above the
caption "Don't lose this product key. You must use it every time
you install this software. So be sure to store this case in a safe
place". Alternatively it is stuck to your PC case.

 

[Guest]

Should also mention in the future ask for help before deleting an OS in a fit
of frustration.... it could prevent further irritation.

 

[Charlie Tame]

I got a critical error and I had to reinstall Windows XP Home Edition.
I tried repairing it using the OS CD but for some reason, the Windows
setup stopped at 34 minutes and restarted the computer and would
continue on in an endless cycle. So, I got fed up and deleted Windows
and tried reinstalling it again entirely. By then, I realized that I
made a stupid mistake because I lost my product key, so I'm left with a
computer without any operating system. I was wondering if Microsoft is
able to issue a new key or something. I'm typing this on a different
computer and I have my registration number. It's something like
xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx, right?

That is an OEM key and you will most likely find that MS can do nothing to
help you but the original PC manufacturer might be able to. That type of
number is often stuck with non peelable adhesive to the computer case
somewhere, or they may have stuck it to some part of the packaging like a CD
case. If you can contact them with the serial number of the machine that
would be your best bet, if not you are stuck with buying retail CD or
getting a CD version of Linux or something else.