Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers (
More info?)
Greetings --
The Product ID is created during the installation process and is
prominently displayed on the General Properties tab of the My Computer
icon.
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, and someone has removed/destroyed the
label, you should contact you 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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"Teresa" <teresa.knapp@rhi.com> wrote in message
news:503001c49119$e487a000$a501280a@phx.gbl...
> it gets to a point and asks for a 25 digit registration
> number. the container has gotten lost in my move and I
> don't have the number is there someway to find it or have
> I just wasted it?
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