win2000/XP help

[MUrph]

Hi, i have two computers, the older one runs win2000 which crashed and
would not boot up because of an error in windows directory. I booted
up from win2000 CD and the repair function wouldnt repair the damage
so i reinstalled windows only to realise ive lost my activation key!!

So i decided to use the win XP CD from the newer computer to install
that. I am vaugley sure that it allows you to install it on a
secondary machine aswell although was not very sure. Sure enough after
installing winXP its product ID no longer works.

Help anyone?
is ther anyway i can discover my old key for win2000 without actually
being able to run it?
does winXP product key work for only 1 machine?

dont fancy paying another 70quid for a bloody 25 digit code!

any help would be appreciated
Stephen

 

[Bruce Chambers]

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 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, 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.

Your "vague recollection" is true of _some_ Microsoft applications
(retail licenses only), but this one-desktop-and-one-portable-computer
allowance has _never_ applied to any of Microsoft's operating systems.
You'll need to purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer on
which you install it.

As it has *always* been with *all* Microsoft operating systems,
it's necessary (to be in compliance with both the EULA and U.S.
copyright law http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/117.html), if not
technically) to purchase one WinXP license for each computer on which
it is installed. (Consult an attorney versed in copyright law to
determine final applicability in your locale.) The only way in which
WinXP licensing differs from that of earlier versions of Windows is
that Microsoft has finally added a copy protection and anti-theft
mechanism, Product Activation, to prevent (or at least make more
difficult) multiple installations using a single license.

You can buy additional licenses, assuming you have a retail
license. Naturally, Microsoft cannot sell additional OEM licenses.
Be aware, however, that you'll probably pay more this way than you
would if you were to buy a second copy of WinXP from a discount
retailer; Microsoft will only offer you a 15% discount off their MSRP.

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Home Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/addlic.asp

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/addlic.asp


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH

 

[Guest]

XP is for only one (1) machine, unless you change some hardware like the
motherboard, you can reinstall with MS authorization. You can try the below
program to check Key Code, it may work.
ViewKey - http://www.paulsxp.com/downloads.html
Or -
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

 

[MUrph]

Thanks for replying to both of you. Now i know i cant use xp again
which means win2000 is the only option. But im stuck in a catch-22
situation.

I cant load it up without the product key, and the only way find the
product key is to load it up and use one of those programs! :-/ bloody
windows!!