WinXP Pro product key

[Ismael]

Hello everyone,

I have the original WinXP Pro disk but no product key. I looked at the
properties of "My Computer" where I found an OEM number. I formatted my
hard drive and during the installation of WinXP Pro I get the "Windows
Product
Key" screen. The problem is the OEM number does not contain enough numbers.
It is short by 5 numbers, eight numbers short if I enter the product key
without the letters OEM. I bought the machine from a company who was
getting rid of their old computers due to bankruptcy. This computer already
has WinXP Pro installed and it came with an original WinXP Pro disk but no
product key.

I know the following would work for Win98 but looks like it will not work
for WinXP Pro:
Enter your registry editor by typing REGEDIT at START/RUN. Browse down to
the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion Look for the
line PRODUCTKEY. This will provide you with the product key that was used to
install the operating system.

Please let me know how to enter the key properly,
or an easier solution to my problem.


Any help is appreciated.

Ismael

 

[Ismael]

Thanks for the reply...but how does a person get the product key from a
machine that already has WinXP Pro installed so I know for next time not to
format the hard drive without getting the product key first off the hard
drive.

Ismael

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hello everyone,

I have the original WinXP Pro disk but no product key. I looked at the
properties of "My Computer" where I found an OEM number. I formatted my
hard drive and during the installation of WinXP Pro I get the "Windows
Product
Key" screen. The problem is the OEM number does not contain enough numbers.
It is short by 5 numbers, eight numbers short if I enter the product key
without the letters OEM. I bought the machine from a company who was
getting rid of their old computers due to bankruptcy. This computer already
has WinXP Pro installed and it came with an original WinXP Pro disk but no
product key.

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." It is not on the installation CD
in any way, shape, or form. 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 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

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[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Ismael;
If Windows XP is retail, the Product Key is on a sticker applied to the CD
package.
If Windows XP is OEM, the Product Key should be on a sticker affixed to the
computer.

Otherwise this tool can help if Windows is still installed:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
Near the bottom "View Product Key XP"
This tool may not show the correct key if Windows is preinstalled from the
factory.