product key lost

[Guest]

i have windows xp home edition original cd and i've lost my key...
how to recovery it? can i call to microsoft?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

i have windows xp home edition original cd and i've lost my key...
how to recovery it? can i call to microsoft?

Microsoft would have NO IDEA what your CD key is/was.

First - sure you lost it? Was it a sticker on your machine?

Second - is the copy of Windows XP Home still installed an functional?
You can grab your key from the working install using Belarc Advisor or Magic
JellyBean Keyfinder.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

i have windows xp home edition original cd and i've lost my key...
how to recovery it? can i call to microsoft?

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." The Product Key is not stored on
the installation CD in any way, shape, or form. 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

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

 

[Guest]

Here is a small, free program that will tell you your key (it's called
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder): http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2612

 

[Gil Baron]

Here is a small, free program that will tell you your key (it's called
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder): http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2612

Search the intrnet, There are key generators out there. The key is NOT keyed toyour cd but is a machine generated value that must foliow a particular algorithm. Once you have a new and valid key you can install.
Do not use this method if you can recover the correct key and DO NOT use enterprise keys you can find on www since most of these are known to usoft and they will not let you activate the installation. YMMV on this as they may have changed so that the CD serial is part of the check or some ther diabolical scheme.

 

[Guest]

Magical Jelly Bean is good, and here's another one. Download to
a floppy disk or a thumb drive.
ViewKey
http://www.paulsxp.com/downloads.html

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

That is a good way to steal someone else's key.
This may be a reason a number of people use new keys and get an error about
their key already in use.
Can you give an honest suggestion? One that is less likely to inconvenience
an honest user?

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


Search the intrnet, There are key generators out there. The key is NOT keyed
to your cd but is a machine generated value that must foliow a particular
algorithm. Once you have a new and valid key you can install.
Do not use this method if you can recover the correct key and DO NOT use
enterprise keys you can find on www since most of these are known to usoft
and they will not let you activate the installation. YMMV on this as they
may have changed so that the CD serial is part of the check or some ther
diabolical scheme.

 

[Gil Baron]

That is a good way to steal someone else's key.

NO,IT IS NOT. If you use the generator the key space is so large that the chance of generating a duplicate key is much much less than winning the lottery.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Perhaps true if the OP is the only person using the key generator.
Are you aware others use key generators as well?
Are you aware someone wins the lottery?
Can you GUARANTEE if the OP uses a key generator no valid keys will be
compromised?

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

That is a good way to steal someone else's key.

NO,IT IS NOT. If you use the generator the key space is so large that the
chance of generating a duplicate key is much much less than winning the
lottery.

 

[Gil Baron]

Can you GUARANTEE if the OP uses a key generator no valid keys will be
compromised?

Not atthe cost of my life but it is so small as not to be a worry. Most use a key only once and it does not matter if I generate it again. You do know that generators create a different key on every run, right?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Thus increasing the chance that someone's legitimate key will be used.
You can not guarantee it, convenient for you, but not others.
Key generators are a solution only for those inconsiderate of others since
others may be affected.
Find a legitimate solution instead of a thieves solution.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org



Not atthe cost of my life but it is so small as not to be a worry. Most use
a key only once and it does not matter if I generate it again. You do know
that generators create a different key on every run, right?