Product ID

  • Thread starter Thread starter Phil
  • Start date Start date
P

Phil

Having now misplaced my Product ID Number the worst has
happened and I now need to use the Intall disk.

Is there anyway of getting my ID number other than having
to pay for a new copy of windows XP.

I tried to use the microsoft help options in the "no
charge support" section but I need my ID number.

Any help would be great

Regards

Phil P
 
Greetings --

The Product ID is created during the installation process and it
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." 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, and someone has removed/destroyed the
label, you should contact you the computer's manufacturer; 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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