Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers (
More info?)
"eagle003_98" <eagle00398@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0DB232B7-BEF8-4FF2-834D-3212E368D079@microsoft.com...
> This is a new CD of WIN XP PRO , it has not been installed on the computer
> yet because I do not have the Key Code. I know that microsoft incodes the
> number somewhere in the files on the CD for verifacation of the CD. How
> can it be found ?
>
The Product Activation key is NOT encoded on the CD (Product Activation does
not work that way).
If you bought only a CD that did not come with a Certificate of Authenticity
and a Product Activation code then you may have only bought a Media pack -
which just contains the CD for those that already have multiple licenses.
Check
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/default.mspx
to see if you really bought a genuine CD.
--
Regards,
Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights
Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups
"eagle003_98" <eagle00398@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0DB232B7-BEF8-4FF2-834D-3212E368D079@microsoft.com...
> This is a new CD of WIN XP PRO , it has not been installed on the computer
> yet because I do not have the Key Code. I know that microsoft incodes the
> number somewhere in the files on the CD for verifacation of the CD. How
> can it be found ?
>
> "Bruce Chambers" wrote:
>
>> 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/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
>> --
>> Help us help you:
>>
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>>
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>>
>> You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
>> having both at once. - RAH
>>
>>
>> "eagle003_98" <eagle003_98@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news
3953713-261A-4BB9-AF37-FDD4194813C3@microsoft.com...
>> > How do you find the Key Code on the CD, my XP does not have it
>> anywhere on the box or sleave.
>>
>>
>>