Product key

[Diana Weismiller]

I bought my desktop PC around 2 1/2 years ago and have
recently got a virus that wiped out my computer. I have
formatted the c drive and would like to reload windows but
I can't find my "certificate of authencity" that shows me
the product key. How can I get this? The company I
bought the computer from has since gone out of business.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

If the COA label for Windows XP is not affixed to your
computer case (look on the back and sides), then I'm afraid
your out of luck since you already reformatted your drive.

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

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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|I bought my desktop PC around 2 1/2 years ago and have
| recently got a virus that wiped out my computer. I have
| formatted the c drive and would like to reload windows but
| I can't find my "certificate of authencity" that shows me
| the product key. How can I get this? The company I
| bought the computer from has since gone out of business.

 

[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 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 whomever sold you the
PC; 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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