XP Reinstall Lost Product Key

  • Thread starter Thread starter DTrescott
  • Start date Start date
D

DTrescott

Hi,

I would like to reinstall XP Pro on my machine. My machine became
unstable and would exit load up and go into a troubleshooting routine.
I was unable to correct the problem so I was forced to reinstall XP
Pro. Only,I have lost the product key. I did register the software
with MS and I am still using the machine that I registered it on. If
it is possible for this to be done, I would really appreciate it if
someone would let me know who I have to contact? Otherwise I am stuck
using Linux on my deskstop. Linux is interesting, but I want my Windows
back.

Dave
 
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

--
Help us help you:



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

You can get replacements of CD or Product Keys by contacting Microsoft
Product Support Services. To locate the appropriate phone number for your
product, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

They will be able to assit you with your miussing Product Key issue.

Sincerely,
Jeff Wade [MS]

--------------------
| Message-ID: <[email protected]>
| Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2003 18:26:08 -0500
| From: DTrescott <[email protected]>
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microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment:92238
| X-Tomcat-NG: microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment
|
| Hi,
|
| I would like to reinstall XP Pro on my machine. My machine became
| unstable and would exit load up and go into a troubleshooting routine.
| I was unable to correct the problem so I was forced to reinstall XP
| Pro. Only,I have lost the product key. I did register the software
| with MS and I am still using the machine that I registered it on. If
| it is possible for this to be done, I would really appreciate it if
| someone would let me know who I have to contact? Otherwise I am stuck
| using Linux on my deskstop. Linux is interesting, but I want my Windows
| back.
|
| Dave
|
|

Sincerely,

Jeffrey L. Wade
Microsoft Enterprise Platforms Support
 
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