product key

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hobo
  • Start date Start date
H

Hobo

I purchased a copy of Windows XP, Home Edition two years
ago from a computer store which is no longer in
operation. Somehow I neglected to make a note of the
product key at the time or misplaced it after I installed
the program.

I wish to re-install the OS now, as I have run into some
problems, however, I can't find my key anywhere. It is
NOT on the CD or the small user's guide it came with. Is
there any way for me to find out what the key is? I have
the s/n of my program, which was noted on my sales slip.
Would it be possible to find the key from this?
 
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 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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