xp product key lost!

[Jessie]

I have tried calling microsoft though in Australia
apparently i can't contact them over the weekend!!!! Can
anyone help me, i need to get my computer up and running
this weekend. I am installing it on a formatted drive so i
can't really access anything else while i am in setup, or
i don't really know how to! ANy help would be much
appreciated

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Microsoft is the gatekeeper of Product Keys. No one else has knowledge
of your Product Key.

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];326246

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

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


| I have tried calling microsoft though in Australia
| apparently i can't contact them over the weekend!!!! Can
| anyone help me, i need to get my computer up and running
| this weekend. I am installing it on a formatted drive so i
| can't really access anything else while i am in setup, or
| i don't really know how to! ANy help would be much
| appreciated

 

[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 holographic label that the PC
manufacturer is supposed to affix to the exterior of the PC case, or
on the bottom of a laptop. The Product Key is _not_ stored on, nor is
it in any way extractable from, the installation CD.

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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