Product Key for Windows XP Professional

[John]

I had to reload our computer at work with windows xp
professional, due to a problem we had with some other
applications, and ran into sort of a problem. I can not
the documentation that came with this software, thus I am
at the set up screen that asks for the product key, and I
do not have this. How can I obtain a product key in order
to get my computer back up- and running. I had to format
the drive, thus ther is nothing there. Any help will be
appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Papa]

If your computer is a desktop, the Product Key could be on a sticker glued
to the back of the computer case. For a laptop, the sticker could be on the
bottom of the case. Good luck.

 

[S.Sengupta]

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 vendor.

regards,
ssg MS-MVP
pronetworks.org

 

[Guest]

You have to get ur own product keys

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I had to reload our computer at work with windows xp
professional, due to a problem we had with some other
applications, and ran into sort of a problem. I can not
the documentation that came with this software, thus I am
at the set up screen that asks for the product key, and I
do not have this. How can I obtain a product key in order
to get my computer back up- and running. I had to format
the drive, thus ther is nothing there. Any help will be
appreciated. Thank you.

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 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:



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

 

[John]

Thanks Bruce, the software in question is the microsoft
office XP Professional, and yes there is a sticker on the
side of the computer, but when I use this key, it does
not work. I am assuming that this is an OEM installed
situation. Are there any other options you can think of ?

 

[Bob I]

You will need the CD that came with PC. OEM cd's and Retail or Upgrade
CD's are not the same.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

The Product Key affixed to the exterior of the computer is that of
the operating system, not Microsoft Office. The Product Key for
office will be on the packaging of the installation CD that originally
came with the computer.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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

 

[Dave Arbok]

Thanks Bruce, the software in question is the microsoft
office XP Professional, and yes there is a sticker on the
side of the computer, but when I use this key, it does
not work. I am assuming that this is an OEM installed
situation. Are there any other options you can think of ?

Since you have the legit OEM key number on the sticker on the case,
you are halfway there. If you want to solve your problem without any
moral or legal concerns, you need one of two things:
1. A Windows CD that works with OEM keys (MS may send you one for a
small fee if you prove who you are and that your key is legit).
2. A "system restore" or "recovery disk" from your PC manufacturer
which contains Windows XP. Most big manufacturers will send you this
for a small fee if they have records of your purchase.

Any other solutions, I would doubt the legality of.