Recovery of product key in unbootable Windows

[Zyggy]

I have a Dell machine that has a dead Windows. The drive is still good. I
can boot from a CD and see all the data on it. Obviously I need to reinstall
Windows from scratch using a generic OEM Windows XP CD, but I need to get
the key from the dead Windows. (The sticker with the key on the Dell is
missing.) So how can I recover the key from this dead Windows XP?

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I have a Dell machine that has a dead Windows. The drive is still good. I
can boot from a CD and see all the data on it. Obviously I need to reinstall
Windows from scratch using a generic OEM Windows XP CD, but I need to get
the key from the dead Windows. (The sticker with the key on the Dell is
missing.) So how can I recover the key from this dead Windows XP?

I don't think you can. On my own CD case it says in bold
print "Don't Lose This Product Key! You must use it
every time you install this software. So be sure to store
this case in a safe place". After reading this I established
a register with each and every product key I have. The
register is backed up on an independent disk that I can
always access, no matter what.

You could, of course, approach Dell and quote your
purchase receipt number. Perhaps they keep a register
of their own.

 

[Rex]

I have a Dell machine that has a dead Windows. The drive is still good. I
can boot from a CD and see all the data on it. Obviously I need to
reinstall Windows from scratch using a generic OEM Windows XP CD, but I
need to get the key from the dead Windows. (The sticker with the key on the
Dell is missing.) So how can I recover the key from this dead Windows XP?

You don't need a key for OEM Windows XP CD if you just install this windows
for your dell computer .