Restoring COA Product Key

[Richard Harison]

Help!
Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates
installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top of
the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know that
somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I have no
Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer service is
pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through Microsoft. I have
Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but they cannot ID the OS
any more than saying it is XP.
Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.
Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't be
the first kid on the block....

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Help!
Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates
installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top of
the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know that
somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I have no
Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer service is
pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through Microsoft. I
have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but they cannot ID
the OS any more than saying it is XP.
Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.
Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't
be the first kid on the block....

If the OS is actually running, use any of the key-find utilities, which
include Belarc Advisor and the Magical JellyBean key finder.

Write the key down on something and tape it to the PC case.

HTH
-pk

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

There may be no way to recover the key.
There are tools that can identify the key used to install, but the key
used for installation is normally an image key and different from the
key on the sticker.

Microsoft probably can not help since Windows XP is OEM.
Dell can not help since they as well as most OEMs do not keep records
of the key.

However as long as you use the Dell provided media on that computer,
you should not need the key.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Help!
Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates
installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top of
the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know that
somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I have no
Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer service is
pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through Microsoft. I have
Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but they cannot ID the OS
any more than saying it is XP.
Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.
Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't be
the first kid on the block....

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

If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since
reinstalled the OS, the Product Key revealed by various software
utilities is that 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.

Your only record of your Product Key (unless you wrote it down and
stored it somewhere safe) was that CoA label. Whomever destroyed that
label also, in affect, tore up your license to use the OS. Your only
possible solution would be to persuade Dell to issue you another Product
Key, which they are under no obligation to do.



--

Bruce Chambers

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killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Richard Harison]

There may be no way to recover the key.
There are tools that can identify the key used to install, but the key
used for installation is normally an image key and different from the key
on the sticker.

Microsoft probably can not help since Windows XP is OEM.
Dell can not help since they as well as most OEMs do not keep records of
the key.

However as long as you use the Dell provided media on that computer, you
should not need the key.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar

Help!
Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates
installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top
of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know
that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I
have no Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer
service is pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through
Microsoft. I have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but
they cannot ID the OS any more than saying it is XP.
Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.
Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't
be the first kid on the block....

Unless, of course I need to reinstall from scratch. I tried inserting the
OEM disk, and, sho nuff, It asked for the product key. If people were
honest, we wouldn't have to go through this insolvable s**t!

There is a barcode on the sealed envelope and a product key, but it is only
20 chrs. (suspect some sort of Dell # -- but as I said-- they are of no
help

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You should not need the key if you use the media as Dell intended.
Or are you doing something different?

 

[Richard Harison]

You should not need the key if you use the media as Dell intended.
Or are you doing something different?

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar

Unless, of course I need to reinstall from scratch. I tried inserting
the
OEM disk, and, sho nuff, It asked for the product key. If people were
honest, we wouldn't have to go through this insolvable s**t!

There is a barcode on the sealed envelope and a product key, but it is
only 20 chrs. (suspect some sort of Dell # -- but as I said-- they are
of no help

I beg to differ!! I am using EVERYTHING as set up by Dell. My concern is
that I do complete re-installs about every year either by schedule or
emergency. (both occur in my life!)
I DO NEED the key. As an experiment, I inserted the OEM CD and it prompted
for the key immediately. I assure you I am a completely legit & licensed
user of this 2 month old computer.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

I was not questioning the legitimacy.
But unless Dell has changed the way their media works, you do not need
to input the Product Key.
If the key is required, something has changed.

Check with the Dell newsgroup for options:
alt.sys.pc-clone.dell

 

[Richard Harison]

I was not questioning the legitimacy.
But unless Dell has changed the way their media works, you do not need to
input the Product Key.
If the key is required, something has changed.

Check with the Dell newsgroup for options:
alt.sys.pc-clone.dell

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar

I beg to differ!! I am using EVERYTHING as set up by Dell. My concern
is that I do complete re-installs about every year either by schedule or
emergency. (both occur in my life!)
I DO NEED the key. As an experiment, I inserted the OEM CD and it
prompted for the key immediately. I assure you I am a completely legit &
licensed user of this 2 month old computer.

IT HAS changed . 1st input after loading original is for product key.

 

[Xandros]

Ok you read the rhetoric. But before you skin the person who tore up the COA
(which is by the way Dell's responsibility and not Microsoft's so don't let
them bull sh*t you) you can always try the install and cancel it after that
prompt for the Product Key. No harm will be done if you attempt the install
from the XP Desktop. Download one of the many key finders. This one works
fine http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Record the Product Key it reveals. Start the install of XP using your CD but
make certain you are doing this from the Windows Desktop and not by booting
the CD. You should be greeted with a screen to Install. Start the install.
You will be prompted for the Product key very early BEFORE you are prompted
to restart the computer. Simply enter the uncovered Product Key into the 5
boxes. Then click the button to install. If the key works you will go to the
next screen at which time you can cancel the install. No harm no foul. If
the key doesn't work then you will get an error to that effect.

 

[Daave]

Help!
Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the
updates installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked
on the top of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it
off.

If you purchased a new Dell, then who stripped off the sticker?! I'd
kill them!

I know that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install
the OS and now I have no Product Key.

If you're never able to figure out the product key, the best thing you
can do is use a program like Acronis True Image and make an image of
your hard drive in a near-pristine (yet complete with updates, etc.)
state. That way, you can always "reinstall your OS."

I have the OEM disk from Dell,
but their customer service is pathetic in this regard--saying it has
to be done through Microsoft.

*What* is it that has to be done through Microsoft (according to Dell's
customer service)?

Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.
Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I
can't be the first kid on the block....

Xandros's idea seems to be a good one. I'm not sure the method will
work, but I guess it won't hurt to try. (I'd still image the hard drive
beforehand.)

What kind of disk do you have? What does it say on it?

And what kind of Dell is this?

Here is how things *normally* work with Dells:

Open up the winnt.sif file on the CD and write down the Product Key.
This should match the Product Key when you run Belarc, Magical Jellybean
Finder, etc. This is the "golden master" key used by Dell for that
particular model number. If you reinstall using the Dell reinstallation
disk, you are not asked for the key (it's locked to the BIOS; so it's
automatic and there is no need to activate, either). If for some reason,
you ever reinstall from a generic OEM disk, you are to enter the key
found on the COA sticker.

In another post, you said that things have

changed . 1st input after loading original is for product key.

What exactly do you mean by "1st input after loading original?"

 

[Rodney Rogers]

Make a copy of your registry and then copy it back after a clean install!

Or go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENT VERSION and write down ProductId & Product Key

 

[Richard Harison]

Make a copy of your registry and then copy it back after a clean install!

Or go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENT VERSION and write down ProductId & Product Key

Help!
Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates
installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top
of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know
that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I
have no Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer
service is pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through
Microsoft. I have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but
they cannot ID the OS any more than saying it is XP.
Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.
Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't
be the first kid on the block....

Thanks Rodney...
Did the registry path...found the ProductID key (some OEM long #) but no
product key

 

[Richard Harison]

Help!
Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates
installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top
of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know
that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I
have no Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer
service is pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through
Microsoft. I have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but
they cannot ID the OS any more than saying it is XP.
Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.
Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't
be the first kid on the block....

If the OS is actually running, use any of the key-find utilities, which
include Belarc Advisor and the Magical JellyBean key finder.

Write the key down on something and tape it to the PC case.

HTH
-pk

Thanks Patrick. Both Belarc & MJB coughed up the same code. I tried it
with the OEM CD and it accepted the code Cancelled the install at that point

 

[Richard Harison]

Ok you read the rhetoric. But before you skin the person who tore up the
COA (which is by the way Dell's responsibility and not Microsoft's so
don't let them bull sh*t you) you can always try the install and cancel it
after that prompt for the Product Key. No harm will be done if you attempt
the install from the XP Desktop. Download one of the many key finders.
This one works fine http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Record the Product Key it reveals. Start the install of XP using your CD
but make certain you are doing this from the Windows Desktop and not by
booting the CD. You should be greeted with a screen to Install. Start the
install. You will be prompted for the Product key very early BEFORE you
are prompted to restart the computer. Simply enter the uncovered Product
Key into the 5 boxes. Then click the button to install. If the key works
you will go to the next screen at which time you can cancel the install.
No harm no foul. If the key doesn't work then you will get an error to
that effect.


--

Xandros

Help!
Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates
installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top
of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know
that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I
have no Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer
service is pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through
Microsoft. I have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but
they cannot ID the OS any more than saying it is XP.
Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.
Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't
be the first kid on the block....

Thanks...
Both Belarc & MJB coughed up the same code. I tried it with the OEM CD
and it accepted the code. Cancelled the install at that point

 

[Richard Harison]

If you purchased a new Dell, then who stripped off the sticker?! I'd
kill them!


If you're never able to figure out the product key, the best thing you
can do is use a program like Acronis True Image and make an image of
your hard drive in a near-pristine (yet complete with updates, etc.)
state. That way, you can always "reinstall your OS."


*What* is it that has to be done through Microsoft (according to Dell's
customer service)?


Xandros's idea seems to be a good one. I'm not sure the method will
work, but I guess it won't hurt to try. (I'd still image the hard drive
beforehand.)

What kind of disk do you have? What does it say on it?

And what kind of Dell is this?

Here is how things *normally* work with Dells:

Open up the winnt.sif file on the CD and write down the Product Key.
This should match the Product Key when you run Belarc, Magical Jellybean
Finder, etc. This is the "golden master" key used by Dell for that
particular model number. If you reinstall using the Dell reinstallation
disk, you are not asked for the key (it's locked to the BIOS; so it's
automatic and there is no need to activate, either). If for some reason,
you ever reinstall from a generic OEM disk, you are to enter the key
found on the COA sticker.

In another post, you said that things have


What exactly do you mean by "1st input after loading original?"

Thanks Daave!

Dell 9200 w/Intel Core Duo
Disk is Dell--says *operating System Already Installed on your computer*
*reinstallation CD MS Windows XP Home edition SP2*

Belarc & MJB coughed up the same code as the winnt.sif file. I tried it
with the OEM CD and it accepted the code Cancelled the install at that point

Sorry about *1st input* confusion. What I meant was I was prompted for the
Key right off the bat.

 

[Richard Harison]

I was not questioning the legitimacy.
But unless Dell has changed the way their media works, you do not need to
input the Product Key.
If the key is required, something has changed.

Check with the Dell newsgroup for options:
alt.sys.pc-clone.dell

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar

I beg to differ!! I am using EVERYTHING as set up by Dell. My concern
is that I do complete re-installs about every year either by schedule or
emergency. (both occur in my life!)
I DO NEED the key. As an experiment, I inserted the OEM CD and it
prompted for the key immediately. I assure you I am a completely legit &
licensed user of this 2 month old computer.

Thank you JJ!

 

[Richard Harison]

Help!
Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates
installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top of
the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know that
somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I have no
Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer service is
pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through Microsoft. I
have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but they cannot ID
the OS any more than saying it is XP.
Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.
Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't
be the first kid on the block....

I would like to thank all who helped me with this problem. I have taken ALL
the advice Including the utility programs mentioned.
Thanks again one & all

 

[Daave]

I would like to thank all who helped me with this problem. I have
taken ALL the advice Including the utility programs mentioned.
Thanks again one & all

You're welcome.

Did you ever solve your problem? What did you need to do?

 

[Richard Harison]

You're welcome.

Did you ever solve your problem? What did you need to do?

Hi Daave...
Solved the problem by listening to all the wonderful ideas from you folks.
It is NOT a problem for now, I was just looking ahead to the ugly day when I
will have to reinstall...you know...when Windows takes 45 seconds to shut
down, etc.... all the signs of a bloated system. I knew the destroyed COA
tag could be an issue. Only advice I reluctantly did not take was
installing Acronis. I am on dial-up, the file from them was 137 MB.
(ouch!) and the PDF manual was 119 pages. When I got this new (October)
machine, I also took the advice from this group to avoid Norton like the
plague. Now system restore works marvelously! (fancy way of backing up
registry.
Since BelArc (& MJB & opening a file on the Dell reinstall disk) produced
the same Product Key, and I tried it--- it worked!
Not so worried anymore, although I am tiffed by Dell & MS casting stones at
each other...caught in the crossfire
THANKS to all again!