Product Keys

[Robbie]

Hi guys

Products keys, when doing a fresh install can I use a
product Key from an older version of Window?

I need to do a fresh install of XP (full version), but I've
lost my product key (I've just moved house, so everything
is a mess)

I do have a Win98 product key (the sticker on top of the PC).

Would that be good enough as authentication?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Robert Blackwell]

Hi guys

Products keys, when doing a fresh install can I use a
product Key from an older version of Window?

I need to do a fresh install of XP (full version), but I've
lost my product key (I've just moved house, so everything
is a mess)

I do have a Win98 product key (the sticker on top of the PC).

Would that be good enough as authentication?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Robert Blackwell]

oops, sorry..

I'm pretty sure you have to have the CD or a previous installation for
verification. I don't remember having the option to use a product key as
verification.

 

[Chris Lanier]

No you can't use a Windows 98 key, the Windows XP Setup will not know this
is a valid key.

If Windows XP is still installed use this
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

If your XP install is still bootable,
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

 

[Robbie]

Cheers guys...

Something happened to my PC during the move...

Looks like I have to spend the week-end doing some serious
searching of boxes :-(

 

[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 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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[Alex Nichol]

Products keys, when doing a fresh install can I use a
product Key from an older version of Window?

No. IT has to be an XP Key - and from the correct variant (eg Home/Pro;
retail/OEM) at that

I need to do a fresh install of XP (full version), but I've
lost my product key (I've just moved house, so everything
is a mess)

get the free Aida 32, enterprise edition from
http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=32
which is an excellent general System Info tool, and its Software -
Licenses page will tell you the one used for Windows and ones for
several other items.

Note that if the machine came with XP installed, this will probably give
a key used in producing an original image, then cloned to all machines
they make. So it is not the one for a reinstall. But then the key will
be on a label on the case of the machine

 

[Yves Leclerc]

Product key for OEM may not work with Retail version of XP. Product |key of
XP which SP1 has been added may not work with XP version that includes SP1.
Product keys for XP Home may not work with Professional.

Note: All the about also main that vice-versa is also true.

Y.