Windows XP serial numbers

[Kal]

Got Windows XP with the computer I bought decided I
wanted to try formatting the hard drive, couldn't work
out how to do that (mind you I am not computer
illiterate) and then decided I would just put in the XP
disk and see what happens, it asked if I wanted to
install it I said yes and then asked for a 25 charaster
authenticity code, but the only code I know I have is 14
characters what am I doing wrong, where can I find this
authenticity code?

 

[purplehaz]

It will be on the cd case/cover, or on the xp manual(if you have one), or on
a sticker on the case of the computer.

 

[Not so quick]

Do a search for keyfinder.exe It will display
the number that you need. It's about 256K.

 

[purplehaz]

Except if it's an oem install that was imaged from the master oem xp(which
most are). If it was an oem install most likely the key the keyfinder
program finds is the oem master key and will not work with a reinstall using
the oem cd or a recovery cd. An oem install needs to find the real COA with
product key on it.

 

[Impressed]

Dude, you smart!

 

[purplehaz]

Not really........ as the info they provided will most likely not get the
op(oem customer) the correct cd key.
If it's an oem install that was imaged from the master oem xp(which most
are), then the key that the keyfinder program finds is the oem master key
and most likely will not work with a reinstall using the oem cd or a
recovery cd. An oem install user needs to find the real COA with product key
on it.

 

[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 AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php or ViewKeyXP from
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm 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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