Retrieve activation info prior to migrating an installation

[kenk]

I have a legit copy of XP Pro and will be upgrading the system with a
new mb, using the same hdd, but a new video card. I anticipate that I
will need to reactivate the install. While that is not of issue, as I
have the original product code, it would save some time if I could
retrieve the 24 or 25 digit activation code.

I have seen tools that retrieve the product code, and I suspect that
there must be tools for retrieving the encrypted activation code. Does
anyone know of freeware that will do this?

Thanks
Ken K

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I have a legit copy of XP Pro and will be upgrading the system with a new
mb, using the same hdd, but a new video card. I anticipate that I will
need to reactivate the install. While that is not of issue, as I have the
original product code, it would save some time if I could retrieve the 24
or 25 digit activation code.

It might save you under five minutes, since at most you'll have to call in.

Microsoft is aware that there are rare occasions when Windows has to be
reinstalled, so they're open to such calls.

But unless you've activated recently, you should be able to activate over
the net.

I have seen tools that retrieve the product code, and I suspect that there
must be tools for retrieving the encrypted activation code. Does anyone
know of freeware that will do this?

No, but it would be fairly pointless for legit installs anyway. I suggest
it will take you more time to set this up than to reactivate.

HTH
-pk