Product Key/ID

[FaaipDaemon]

I have the Microsoft XP Home Edition and I am trying to
reinstall XP. I have all the information, but the only
Product ID I can find is on the Works Suite 2002 CD case.
I tried entering that for the Product ID but it didn't
take it. I see no other product ID's. Can someone email
me telling me where it is or if I don't have how I can
retrieve it via Internet? Thank you.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

If your computer is still operational:

Retrieve your Windows XP CD key
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]


If your computer is not operational:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[ln];326246

OEM versions of Windows XP are not supported by
Microsoft. Only "retail versions" of Windows XP are
supported by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot issue you
a replacement Product Key for an OEM version.... only
if it were a "retail version". Technical support for an
OEM version is the responsibility of the company that
sold you the OEM version of Windows XP.


--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I have the Microsoft XP Home Edition and I am trying to
| reinstall XP. I have all the information, but the only
| Product ID I can find is on the Works Suite 2002 CD case.
| I tried entering that for the Product ID but it didn't
| take it. I see no other product ID's. Can someone email
| me telling me where it is or if I don't have how I can
| retrieve it via Internet? Thank you.

 

[CWatters]

In theory it should be on a label stuck to your PC case somewhere.

 

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

 

[Danny W]

If it came with your PC, the license requires your manufacturer to have
stuck the Certificate of Authenticity, with the CD-KEY, to the outside of
the PC somewhere.