Lost product key but have disk

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers (More info?)

It's not stored on the CD. Only on the orange/yellow stick the CD was in.
If you still have XP installed, you can download one of many programs to
reveal the CD used to install XP, but other than that, you may be out of
luck. If you have a retail version, and proof-of-purchase i.e. receipt,
charge card statement, etc, you can contact Microsoft about getting a new
key.

--

Star Fleet Admiral Q @ your service

*************************************************

"george" <george@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A78CBC71-95E7-49E4-AE3A-1BB511334580@microsoft.com...
>I have purchased windows xp for my desk top, but I threw away the box with
> the product key.
>
> Windows xp home edition upgrade ver 2002 service pack 1
>
> Where do I find the product key in my PC, or can you give it to me?
> I am unable to reinstall in my PC without it?
>
> George
> geos"at"goldrush"dott"com
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers (More info?)

Hi George,

Go to http://www.magicaljellybean.com . Download Keyfinder v 1.41. Install
it wherever you want. As I remember it installs a icon. If not make a new
icon and when clicked it will show the number you want. Then write it on
the disk or a safe place. Good luck,

Old Geaser


"george" <george@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A78CBC71-95E7-49E4-AE3A-1BB511334580@microsoft.com...
>I have purchased windows xp for my desk top, but I threw away the box with
> the product key.
>
> Windows xp home edition upgrade ver 2002 service pack 1
>
> Where do I find the product key in my PC, or can you give it to me?
> I am unable to reinstall in my PC without it?
>
> George
> geos"at"goldrush"dott"com
>


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Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers (More info?)

george wrote:
> I have purchased windows xp for my desk top, but I threw away the
> box with the product key.
>
> Windows xp home edition upgrade ver 2002 service pack 1
>
> Where do I find the product key in my PC, or can you give it to me?
> I am unable to reinstall in my PC without it?
>
> George
> geos"at"goldrush"dott"com


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, 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

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

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers (More info?)

"Bruce Chambers" <bruce_a_chambers@h0tmail.com> wrote in
news:uFdj9AvkEHA.2680@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl:

>
> 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:
>
Excellent advise Bruce...made me go and check mine as I wasn't sure how
this machine had been loaded...even though I still have the sticker on the
box, but my disk was still shrink wrapped.(G)
Your efforts are much appreciated.

GJP