Lost product key

  • Thread starter Thread starter Quandon
  • Start date Start date
Q

Quandon

I need to run my installation disk again to try and repair my system, but
unfortunately I do not have the product key.

I've got the original installation disk in all its holographic glory (I stupidly
assumed when I was packing for a move that the number on the envelope was the
key, I may have the packaging with the key, but if I do it's in store where I
can't realsitically get at it).

Now, my question is, can I find the product key from the running installation?

Otherwise, can anyone think of a way to get it. Presumably microsoft could tell
what it is from the activation process - is there any way of finding out from
them?

BTW - all my problems started when I finally succumbed to microsoft's nagging
about installing security updates!

Quandon
 
"Quandon" said in news:[email protected]:
I need to run my installation disk again to try and repair my system,
but unfortunately I do not have the product key.

I've got the original installation disk in all its holographic glory
(I stupidly assumed when I was packing for a move that the number on
the envelope was the key, I may have the packaging with the key, but
if I do it's in store where I can't realsitically get at it).

Now, my question is, can I find the product key from the running
installation?

Otherwise, can anyone think of a way to get it. Presumably microsoft
could tell what it is from the activation process - is there any way
of finding out from them?

BTW - all my problems started when I finally succumbed to microsoft's
nagging about installing security updates!

Quandon
Click to expand...

A couple of utilities:

Aida32
Belarc Advisor
 
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
--
Help us help you:



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

Go to:-

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

and download "Belarc Advisor" and install it.

When it runs it gives you a browser page full of info about your
system. About half way down that page will be a heading "Software
Licenses". Your license number for XP should be there.


Good luck
 
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