PRODUCT KEY

  • Thread starter Thread starter ryan
  • Start date Start date
R

ryan

I LOSE MY PRODUCT KEY HOW CAN I GET A NEW ONE?
ACTUALLY I THINK I NEVER GOT ONE BUT NEVER NOTICED TILL
LAST WEEK WHEN I REFORMATTED MY COMPUTER.
I HAVE A DELL.SOMEONE PLEASE HELP
 
Ryan;
If Windows XP is retail, look on the orange label on the back of the
CD case.
Otherwise call Microsoft:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246

If Windows XP is OEM, look for the Product Key on a 1" x 3" sticker
affixed to the computer case.
Otherwise contact the seller, Microsoft can not help with OEM.
 
Greetings --

First of all, please unstick your CapsLock key. Posting in all
caps, as you have done, is the Usenet equivalent of shouting, and is
considered very rude. More importantly, posting in all caps makes the
post very hard to read, further reducing your chances of getting help.

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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having both at once. -- RAH
 
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