Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (
More info?)
boatmeal wrote:
> Hi,
>
> _ have a reboot disk and I am prompted for my 25 digit Product Key. How do I
> find out what my Product Key is? Windows is currently installed on the
> computer I am trying to Reinstall on and I do not have any of the boxes it
> came in. It is a Dell PC
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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