Windows CD key

[Guest]

A few years ago I upgraded my Win 98 machine to Win XP using the upgrade
disk. I have had to reinstall windows due to system failure, and now cannot
locate the CD key - only the actual CD.

So now Windows is installed, but I can't use it. What can I do? Will
Microsoft help?

 

[Guest]

Hi there Ritchie,

Unfortunately, you will have to purchase a new license for Windows XP.

Best Regards,

~Will

 

[Guest]

Even though I registered with them??

 

[Gordon]

Hi there Ritchie,

Unfortunately, you will have to purchase a new license for Windows XP.

What a COMPLETELY STUPID response.
Of course the OP doesn't have to purchase a new licence.

 

[Guest]

Hey there Ritchie,

You can give it a try, but I've never heard much luck. Hopefully, you have
a proof of purchase of some sort.

According to MS KB Article 326246, do the following:

Replacement of CD or Product Keys
To replace a CD or Product Key, you must contact PSS. To locate the
appropriate phone number for your product, visit the following Microsoft Web
site:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

Hope this helps!

Best Regards,

~Will

 

[Guest]

I just called Microsoft UK. They said that there computers are down, but if I
call them in 10 minutes and have my CD with me they will give me a new
product key, free of charge.

Tel: 0870 601 0100

 

[Guest]

Cool deal!

I just called Microsoft UK. They said that there computers are down, but if I
call them in 10 minutes and have my CD with me they will give me a new
product key, free of charge.

Tel: 0870 601 0100

 

[Vanguard]

A few years ago I upgraded my Win 98 machine to Win XP using the
upgrade
disk. I have had to reinstall windows due to system failure, and now
cannot
locate the CD key - only the actual CD.

So now Windows is installed, but I can't use it. What can I do? Will
Microsoft help?

So what did you do with the sticker that had the product key printed on
it? You were supposed to affix it to the computer case. I always also
write the product key on the CD using a Sharpie marker.

Use Belarc Advisor to get the product key for the already installed copy
of Windows. Be sure to record the product key and not the product code
(which identifies the product and is not a license key).

 

[Vanguard]

So what did you do with the sticker that had the product key printed
on it? You were supposed to affix it to the computer case. I always
also write the product key on the CD using a Sharpie marker.

Use Belarc Advisor to get the product key for the already installed
copy of Windows. Be sure to record the product key and not the
product code (which identifies the product and is not a license key).

Oops, see that you already did a reinstall of Windows (which presumably
means you did a fresh or new install rather than an in-place upgrade or
Repair). Belarc won't help since the product key is no longer available
to retrieve it (except, of course, for your new install but that doesn't
help you in your situation). Guess you'll have to call Microsoft to get
another key.