Where's the product id / certificate of authenticity?

[Guest]

I bought Windows XP Home to install on a PC I just built. This is my first
build and therefore my first installation of Windows from "scratch". When it
came time to type in the product ID-- it was nowhere to be found! Not on the
envelope and not on the "Start Here" packet. On the envelope it says it is a
"OEM System Builder Pack" intended for PC and server manufacturers and
assemblers only. That sounds appropriate in my case because I did assemble
the PC. But on the back of the "Start Here" packet there's a box which says,
"The Certificate of Authenticity label has been removed by your PC
manufacturer and should be attached to your PC" Well *I'm* the manufacturer
and I never saw it? What's going on? Did I buy the wrong thing or am I
missing something?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Derek;
Contact the seller, that is your only source.
They neglected to give you the key.

 

[Guest]

I found it. The tiny (1" x 2") sticker was on the outer cellophane of the
package. I dug through my trash to find it. What a horrible place to put
such a vital piece of information! If Microsoft put it there, at a minimum
they need to change the documentation to note that. If the seller put it
there let me know so I can give 'em heck!

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Derek;
Microsoft placed it there.
Unfortunately the packaging is designed for System Builders who already know
the details, not individuals who may or may not know.
IIRC, the sticker does have a warning nearby about losing, but it also is
small.