Retrieve XP Pro OEM product key

[Gregg Hill]

Hello!

We have a Win XP Pro OEM install on a computer that crashed. The sticker is
not on the computer, although it was a few weeks ago. Is there a way to
retrieve the key by placing the drive into another XP computer to read its
registry files? If I can get the original key, maybe I can call Microsoft to
get a duplicate license(?).

Thanks for the help!

Gregg Hill

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Gregg;
As far as I know there is no way without getting into Windows on that
drive.

Since the Product Key is on a sticker affixed to the computer it is
OEM.
Normally Microsoft can not help with OEM.
Contact the seller.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

The Product ID is created during the installation process and it
prominently displayed on the General Properties tab of the My Computer
icon.

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, and someone has removed/destroyed the
label, you should contact you 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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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH

 

[Gregg Hill]

Bruce,

Thank you for the addtional information. It was an OEM version and the label
is no longer on the computer.

Gregg Hill