Multiple copies of the program

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Guest

I have multiple copies of Windows XP for our office computers, but I'm not
sure which copy goes with which computer. We're running off of a business
server and I want to make sure that I don't mess something up by installing
the same license on two of the computers. The product key for all the
machines seem to be the same, but the product ID that you can find on the
Control Panel, System, General tab doesn't seem to appear on any of the
paperwork that comes with the software. Is there something I can check on
the CD to see what license it is?
 
Caryn said:
I have multiple copies of Windows XP for our office computers, but I'm not
sure which copy goes with which computer. We're running off of a business
server and I want to make sure that I don't mess something up by installing
the same license on two of the computers. The product key for all the
machines seem to be the same, but the product ID that you can find on the
Control Panel, System, General tab doesn't seem to appear on any of the
paperwork that comes with the software. Is there something I can check on
the CD to see what license it is?


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." It is not on the installation CD
in any way, shape, or form. 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.)


--

Bruce Chambers

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