need win xp codes

  • Thread starter Thread starter Melissa
  • Start date Start date
M

Melissa

i have my win xp disk but i lost the codes can anyone help
me get the codes so i can use my computer
 
i have my win xp disk but i lost the codes can anyone help
me get the codes so i can use my computer
Click to expand...

I am assuming by "codes" that you mean the product key.

If it's an OEM installation, check your computer case for the
certificate of authenticity...you may luck out and find the product
key there. If that doesn't work, you might try going through your
computer manufacturer's tech support lines to see if they can help you
out.

If it's a retail version, the key will be on the CD packaging. If
you've lost that, I don't know what to tell you. Without the key,
your CD is pretty much a coaster. You might try contacting Microsoft
on that one, but I don't know where that route may take you...I've
never had to replace a product key myself.

If you're already running XP and need the product key for a reinstall,
there are utilities out there that can reveal the product key of the
operating system that's currently installed. One of them is at:
http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php

Good luck,
Jeff
 
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 holographic label that the PC
manufacturer is supposed to affix to the exterior of the PC case, or
on the bottom of a laptop. The Product Key is _not_ stored on, nor is
it in any way extractable from, the installation CD.

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
OS; 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
 
Back
Top