Lost Product Key - Will Microsoft give it to me?

[Jim]

I am trying to re-install Windows XP Home on my computer
after it completely died. I booted from disc, installed
the program...but forgot to check that I had the Product
Key. I only have the CD, the "Genuine", original version,
but it was lying in a case, and not the original, so I
don't have the key. I'm an idiot, I know. My question is,
can I contact microsoft and ask them for the key, or are
all of my efforts useless? What should I do now? Please
email me with any help!

 

[Yves Leclerc]

If the Cd is OEM (can only be shipped/sold with a new PC) then Microsoft
will not help you. The type of CD is Original Equipment Manufacturer
version and you are to get help from where you bought you PC/Windows only.

 

[Rob Schneider]

See http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326246

Hope this is useful to you. Let us know.

rms

 

[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 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 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

--
Help us help you:




You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Guest]

Is your windows pre-installed from the factory? If so try checking on the side of your machine, there a 25 digit code# thats your product key. I did the same thing so I contacted Dell support. or go to the web site of where your compture manufactur. for more info.