Lost Product ID

[Larry Horsfield]

Hi,

I have lost the jewel case for my legitimate XP Pro, which
obviously had the Product ID on it I need to enter to do a
re-install. Like an idiot, I didn`t write the PID down
somewhere in case of such an event!

Is it possible to obtain a new PID from Microsoft? I
bought the XP Pro via ebay, so have no proof of purchase,
but I registered it when I first installed and activated
it.

Any help gratefully received.

Larry.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

If your system is bootable:

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

 

[Colin Nash [MVP]]

Assuming you still have Windows installed... download and install the exe
file for AIDA32, a system info tool. Once you have it installed, open it up
and go into the "Operating System" section. The Product Key is listed in
there. Don't confuse this with the Product ID, which is not really
important. The *key* is what you need to install the software.


AIDA32 has lots of other interesting info

 

[Larry Horsfield]

Thanks for replying.

No, I cannot get into XP, which is why I am doing a re-
install. I tried repairing the installation, but got into
all trouble, which seemed to make matters worse.

Larry.

 

[Larry]

This is the problem,I cannot boot up XP, hence me doing a
re-install.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

If the system isn't bootable, Larry, there is no way I know of to recover the CD key.

Call (800) 426-9400, and explain the situation. If you registered your copy, they should be able to give you a working CD Key.

 

[Larry]

Thanks for that, Doug, I guessed that is what I would have
to do. Mind you, I won`t be calling that number, I`m in
the UK!

-----Original Message-----
If the system isn't bootable, Larry, there is no way I know of to recover the CD key.

Call (800) 426-9400, and explain the situation. If you

registered your copy, they should be able to give you a
working CD Key.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

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 AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php 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 whomever sold you the
PC; 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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