25 character product key

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win2000.setup (More info?)

Does anyone know how I can obtain a new 25 character
product key in order for me to re-install my 2000
professional operating system. I've misplaced the
original package and can't locate the key anywhere.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win2000.setup (More info?)

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 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/defau [...] -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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"Doug Roshto" <frank.roshto@williams.com> wrote in message
news:1be001c46fa3$2c747ac0$a601280a@phx.gbl...
> Does anyone know how I can obtain a new 25 character
> product key in order for me to re-install my 2000
> professional operating system. I've misplaced the
> original package and can't locate the key anywhere.