Obtaining product key

[Justin]

I have lost my product key but have all my original dics,
books etc, how do I obtain my key?

 

[Taurarian]

If Windows XP is still installed on the computer:

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.41
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
Near the bottom "View Product Key XP"
This will enable you to view the Product Key of the Windows installation
which is currently on your computer.

If you purchased WinXP retail, the Product Key is on an orange label on the
back of the package. If you don't have the package, contact Microsoft:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q295539
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If you have an OEM version of WinXP, the Product Key sticker should have
been placed on the computer tower by the retailer. Note, Microsoft will be
unable to assist you with an OEM version.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have lost my product key but have all my original dics,
books etc, how do I obtain my key?

If the system is still working, get the free Aida 32, enterprise edition
from
http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=32
which is an excellent general System Info tool, and its Software -
Licenses page will tell you the one used for Windows and ones for
several other items.

Note that if the machine came with XP installed, this will probably give
a key used in producing an original image, then cloned to all machines
they make. So it is not the one for a reinstall. But then the key will
be on a label on the case of the machine

 

[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 holographic label that the PC
manufacturer is supposed to affix to the exterior of the PC case, or
on the bottom of a laptop. The Product Key is _not_ stored on, nor is
it in any way extractable from, the installation CD.

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.


Bruce Chambers

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