Windows XP activation key

  • Thread starter Thread starter Linda Moore
  • Start date Start date
L

Linda Moore

If I had to rebuild my hard drive how would I get my
activation key for my windows xp. I upgraded from win98
to XP and waited almost a month before activating it, to
see if I really liked it. Once I activated it I realized
that I do not have a copy of the activation key and have
no way of knowing how to get it if I had a computer
problem that required rebuilding the hard drive. This
has happened to me before is why I am asking. I just
want to be prepared if for some reason I do run into the
rebuild problem again. Thank you very much for any help
you may have for me. L Moore
 
Linda said:
If I had to rebuild my hard drive how would I get my
activation key for my windows xp. I upgraded from win98
to XP and waited almost a month before activating it, to
see if I really liked it. Once I activated it I realized
that I do not have a copy of the activation key and have
no way of knowing how to get it if I had a computer
problem that required rebuilding the hard drive. This
has happened to me before is why I am asking. I just
want to be prepared if for some reason I do run into the
rebuild problem again. Thank you very much for any help
you may have for me. L Moore
Click to expand...


Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
Find CD Key
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
 
Linda Moore said:
If I had to rebuild my hard drive how would I get my
activation key for my windows xp. I upgraded from win98
to XP and waited almost a month before activating it, to
see if I really liked it. Once I activated it I realized
that I do not have a copy of the activation key and have
no way of knowing how to get it if I had a computer
problem that required rebuilding the hard drive. This
has happened to me before is why I am asking. I just
want to be prepared if for some reason I do run into the
rebuild problem again. Thank you very much for any help
you may have for me. L Moore
Click to expand...

Assuming you have a valid copy of Windows XP, you should still have the case
it came in (which would have a sticker on it with the number) or your
computer case will have a sticker on it with the number(if Dell, Gateway,
etc..)

If Windows XP is still functioning, then you can use something like the
Magic Jelly Bean Key Finder to get your current key.
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

In either case, if you rebuild your hard drive, you WILL have to
re-activate.
 
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 holographic label that the PC
manufacturer is supposed to affix to the exterior of the PC case, or
on the bottom of a laptop. The Product Key is _not_ stored on, nor is
it in any way extractable from, the installation CD.

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 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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