Windows XP reinstall problem

[Guest]

I had to clear my hard drive and reinstall Windows XP. I have the original
Windows XP disk that came with my PC but when I tried to reinstall I realized
that I had lost the product / activation key code fromthe back of the disk
pouch. How do I recover or find that code so I can complete the
reinstallation.

 

[Rich Barry]

Mitch, there are a few Utilities that will recover the Product Code Key
while WinXP is still loaded on your System. I am
not aware of any that could determine it from just the XP CD. You may
have to give MS a call.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Rich;
The Product Key is not on the CD at all so there is no possibility of
using a tool to retrieve the key.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

The key is not on the CD so it is not retrievable from there.
If the hard drive were not formatted-cleared, the key could be seen
using a utility such as Everest.

If Windows XP is retail, contact Microsoft:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246

If Windows XP is OEM, contact the seller.
Also look on the side, back etc of the case.
The sticker should be there for OEM.

You may need to purchase Windows XP again if that is what you want.

 

[Guest]

Mitch,

If I understand you, the XP recovery/OS disk that you want to use came with
your PC. On my laptops the key product code for the XP or Vista OS disk is on
the bottom of the laptop. If you have a desktop, you will find the service
tag and express service codes somewhere on the front or rear of the PC. You
might have to call the PC tech support for help.

I hope this helps.

oscar

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I had to clear my hard drive and reinstall Windows XP. I have the original
Windows XP disk that came with my PC but when I tried to reinstall I realized
that I had lost the product / activation key code fromthe back of the disk
pouch. How do I recover or find that code so I can complete the
reinstallation.

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is not on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form.
It 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 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 the computer's
manufacturer; 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

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[Paul Randall]

All of my original OS CD/DVDs have the product key on them. That's what big
blue sharpie pens are for -- it just seems so obvious that the key must
never be separated from the CD

-Paul Randall

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

On Mon, 3 Sep 2007 09:46:02 -0700, mitch rapp <mitch

I had to clear my hard drive and reinstall Windows XP.

You probably didn't have to, but you chose to. It's seldom the right
solution for a problem.

I have the original
Windows XP disk that came with my PC but when I tried to reinstall I realized
that I had lost the product / activation key code fromthe back of the disk
pouch. How do I recover or find that code so I can complete the
reinstallation.

How did you get Windows XP in the first place? If it came with the
computer, there should be a sticker someplace on the computer itself
with the product key. If not, and yours is an retail version, contact
Microsoft. If it's OEM, contact the place you bought it from, but
chances are that you are out of luck and will need to buy a new copy.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

I actually thought of that but decided against mentioning it.
I do not do it, but some people would benefit from that practice.

I once saw a CD where the key (or maybe the owners name) was engraved
on the CD, a little surprised the CD still worked.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

 

[Rich Barry]

Jupiter, thanks for the heads up. Somehow I knew that but it must be
the heat out here in Huntington Beach causing my
fuzzy thinking. That's twice today.

 

[Paul Knudsen]

On Mon, 3 Sep 2007 09:46:02 -0700, mitch rapp <mitch

I had to clear my hard drive and reinstall Windows XP. I have the original
Windows XP disk that came with my PC but when I tried to reinstall I realized
that I had lost the product / activation key code fromthe back of the disk
pouch. How do I recover or find that code so I can complete the
reinstallation.

Look for a sticker with the key on the back of your PC. If no luck
there, call the vendor.