Product Key for Reinstall

[Todd]

I need to format and reinstall Win XP Home.
The computer came with XP Home, but I don't have the
original discs and documentation. I have borrowed a CD,
but how can I find the Product Key used for the original
install?
I can find a Product ID that looks like xxxxx-oem-xxxxxxx-
xxxxx but this is not the same format as a product key.

What key can I use to reinstall?

Thank you,
Todd

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

I need to format and reinstall Win XP Home.
The computer came with XP Home, but I don't have the
original discs and documentation. I have borrowed a CD,
but how can I find the Product Key used for the original
install?
I can find a Product ID that looks like xxxxx-oem-xxxxxxx-
xxxxx but this is not the same format as a product key.

What key can I use to reinstall?

Todd,

If it came with your PC then contact the OEM for support - they may be able
to provide you with a new CD etc

--
Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

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[Todd]

I tried that first. But because it is out of warranty,
they can't sell me a replacement recovery disk (per
Microsoft license agreement).

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

I tried that first. But because it is out of warranty,
they can't sell me a replacement recovery disk (per
Microsoft license agreement).

Then in all likelyhood you will need to purchase a new copy of Windows XP
yourself

--
Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Todd;
You need the CD that came with your computer.
The Product Key affixed to your computer will not likely work with
another CD.

The Product Key is on a 1" x 3" sticker affixed somewhere on the
computer.

If you can not locate your CD or get one from manufacturer, you will
need to buy it.

 

[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
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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