XP Product ID

[Wyoung]

I am trying to find out how to get my Product ID for
Windows XP Home Edition.

The dealer never gave me the certificate.

I have been screwing around for an hour thru MS's (IMHO)
dumb menus that keep sending me in circles, but does not
tell me HOW to obtain it.

My daughter had a similar problem with her IMAC. She had
a number for tech support, she gave them the id number off
the cd and in minutes she had her Product Code. So why
does MS make things so difficult, requiring hours to mull
through menus?

If anyone knows how I may obtain my Product Code, it would
be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Walt
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

Download Aida32 - http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=32 - you can find the PID in there.

Will

 

[Wyoung]

Thank you Will. I appreciate it very much.

Walt

-----Original Message-----
Hi

Download Aida32 - http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?

bit=32 - you can find the PID in there.

 

[Wyoung]

I see that number and now wonder if I am using the right
Terminology, as I think in the CD it has 5 or 6 blocks for
an entry. Perhaps I should mean Product Key, or whatever
numbers I need to get into the CD.

My original problem was in IE6 in which in Tools, Internet
Options my General Tab totally disappeared. I wanted to
get into the CD to see if I could reinstall IE6 to correct
that problem. When it disappeared I ended up with MSN as
my "home" page and I always use "blank". Without the
General Tab, I can't change it.

In 98 you could go to add/remove programs and run a Repair
of IE but can't find anything like that in XP. I'm almost
tempted to go back to 98SE. I don't get lost there.
(smile)

Many thanks for your assistance.

Walt

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Ah, that _is_ the Product Key that you're thinking of.

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.

For the IE issue:

How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q318378


Bruce Chambers

--
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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Wyoung]

Well I did get the Key with Aida so solved that problem.

Couldn't find anything in MS to help with getting the
General Tab back, so I just went ahead, put in the CD and
did an Update Install. After an hour or so of that, it
told me I had to redo all the Critical and Security
patches so went through those. Rebooted and....

Still don't have a General Tab, so still change change my
home page.

However, I am very appreciative of your information and
assistance.

Boy they add so much stuff on here so fast I like to have
never found this thread again. (smile)

Walt