Wrong XP Product Code from Computer Manufacturer - ASAP

[Ken]

I purchased a new computer from AmericanPC2000 (Mentor,
OH) last July. They sent me a Microsoft Windows XP
Professional CD with the small Microsoft Book. There was
evidence of glue on the back of the book, but there was no
official certificate identifying the Product Code. I got
the code by running Windows and accessing it from the
computer. It was a 20 digit code ----- oem ------- -----
.. I assumed this must be my correct Product ID code and I
registered XP with Microsoft.

My computer has a serious problem and I am trying to
reload XP, but when I insert the disk, it asks for a 25
digit ID with 5 groups of numbers. I can not use the disk
supplied with the computer. I found out the manufacturer
loads windows from some external drive (this also does not
allow me to install other features, since windows is
looking for a drive that doesn't exist).

The manufacturer said Microsoft will have to give me a new
code; they can't help me. I found there is no access to
Microsoft for oem products and the customer service web
site says to contact the computer manufacturer. HOW CAN I
GET A USABLE 25 DIGIT CODE? Thanks for any quick response
I can get.


Ken

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Ken;
Microsoft can not help with OEM.
If the manufacturer can not help, you may need to buy Windows XP.

First look all over the case.
The Product Key is on a 1" x 3" sticker affixed to the case.

 

[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 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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