XP Pro Product Key

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bill Stanton
  • Start date Start date
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Bill Stanton

I have a Dell computer with XP Pro installed. It has
become necessary to re-format the hard-drive and
re-install XP. Dell claims the COA is attached to the
side of the tower. Either they don't know what they're
talking about or it managed to fall off. So, the best I
can do prior to the formatting is to capture the system
ID number in "My Computer" properties. There has
to be a way to deal with a lost Product Key... yes?
Thanks,
Tom
 
Look all over your computer case. Dell affixes the Product Key
to each Dell computer case and it cannot simply "fall off".
The Product ID number is not the Product Key.

You may wish to read the following:

Retrieve your Windows XP CD key
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

------------------------------------------------------------------


| I have a Dell computer with XP Pro installed. It has
| become necessary to re-format the hard-drive and
| re-install XP. Dell claims the COA is attached to the
| side of the tower. Either they don't know what they're
| talking about or it managed to fall off. So, the best I
| can do prior to the formatting is to capture the system
| ID number in "My Computer" properties. There has
| to be a way to deal with a lost Product Key... yes?
| Thanks,
| Tom
 
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
PC; 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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