What happens if you lose your product key?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Not so quick
  • Start date Start date
N

Not so quick

I've installed XP pro OEM that I bought with a case
and hard drives. Now I can't find the product # to
reinstall.
Thanks
 
Check for the CD Key sticker on your casing. Or on a sticker that comes with
the COA.
 
support
use tools to view your computer info and diag. problems
Click My Computer Info
Click View a lost of Microsoft software installed
your number should be listed
Click to expand...
junebug, your Product ID is useless for reinstalling XP (or any version
of Windows). To install Windows, you need your PRODUCT KEY, which is a
25-character alpha-numberic string, grouped in 5 groups of 5 characters
each.

On Windows XP, the Product Key is not easily accessible, since it is
stored in an encrypted condition, and not in plain-text.

The Product Key of Windows XP may be accessed using one of several
programs; ViewKeyXP, MagicalJellyBean, and AIDA32 being three of them

Obtain them here:

ViewKeyXP: http://www.thatcomputerguy.us/archives/000018.html

MagicalJellyBean:
http://www.simtel.net/product.php?url_fb_product_page=62225

AIDA32: http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=32
(Get the Enterprise Edition to be able to also uncover your MS Office
key)
 
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 or ViewKeyXP from
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm 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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