Product Key?

[Guest]

My computer recently crashed and I'm trying to reinstall windows xp home
edition. I lost the product key and was wondering if anyone knew how to
recover it.

Thanks.

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

If you've still got XP installed, try this program to find the Product Key:

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

--


Will Denny
MS-MVP Shell/User
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[Ron Martell]

Hi

If you've still got XP installed, try this program to find the Product Key:

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

And if Windows XP will no longer boot and if the hard drive has not
been formatted then you can try
http://www.dagondesign.com/articles/windows-xp-product-key-recovery/

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Bruce Chambers]

My computer recently crashed and I'm trying to reinstall windows xp home
edition. I lost the product key and was wondering if anyone knew how to
recover it.

Thanks.

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is not on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form.
It 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

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[Daave]

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is not on the installation CD in any way, shape, or
form. It 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.

I believe there is an exception to the above.

In the case of certain factory-installed licenses (e.g., Dell), the
*original* volume-license-type product key *is* located on the
installation CD--specifically in the winnt.sif file in the i386 folder.

However, I suspect that the user needs the unique *second* key which
would be on the label you mention when it comes to reinstalling the OS.
If the user has misplaced that label, I suppose s/he is out of luck.

Still, has anyone ever had success using the Volume License Key during a
re-install?