XP Product Key

[Guest]

I am attempting to reinstall/overinstall my xp pro operating system. The
trouble I am having is that my disk will not recognize my product key. I know
how to find the product key if this were W98 using a DOS prompt. My decal on
the side of the machine has been scraped up, so I cannot read the key numbers
properly. Are there any programs that I can download from the net to find the
correct key?
Any info is appreciated.

 

[Bert Kinney]

Hi,

From within WindowsXP, Keyfinder will display the product key.

Keyfinder v1.41
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

 

[Harry Ohrn]

When you say your are attempting to do this do you mean you've already began
the process by booting from the CD and found yourself now stuck at the
Product Key page? If so you've gone too far and it is unlikely you can
locate the key as the registry will have been overwritten. However if you
haven't started the process yet and can boot to a working Desktop - even
minimally working then you should be successful by using any of these tools
Magic Jellybean Keyfinder
ViewKey XP RockXP
Belarc Advisor

A simple google search will locate these.

If you find that you can't boot to Windows but haven't already began the
over install from the CD you might be able to use Bart's Pe
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/ and http://www.bootcd.us/PEBuilder_tutorial.php
with the Keyfinder plug-in
http://www.bootcd.us/BartPE_Plugin_Details/262/Keyfinder-pe-Plugin.html

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I am attempting to reinstall/overinstall my xp pro operating system. The
trouble I am having is that my disk will not recognize my product key. I know
how to find the product key if this were W98 using a DOS prompt. My decal on
the side of the machine has been scraped up, so I cannot read the key numbers
properly. Are there any programs that I can download from the net to find the
correct key?
Any info is appreciated.

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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