XP COA Number

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jim
  • Start date Start date
J

Jim

My brother built my system and installed all my programs
about 2 years ago. Lately I was looking over my software
discs and noticed the COA number was not with the XP disc.
I asked my brother where he put it, he doesn't remember!
We searched all over and can't find it.
It was an OEM version bought from TCWO. How would I go
about getting the COA number or am I out of luck? I am
afraid if I need to reinstall XP if I have a problem, I
won't be able to.
Jim Smith
(e-mail address removed)
 
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
 
If you can not locate the COA number, do the following before using the
Recovery disks:

1.. Right-click on the My Computer icon and select Properties.

2.. On the General tab, record the number listed under the 'Registered
to:' field. The format of this number is XXXXX-OEM-XXXXXXX-XXXXX. This is
the COA number that will be prompted for during the recovery process.
3..
 
You should have attached the COA to the computer, look on
and inside.


| If you can not locate the COA number, do the following
before using the
| Recovery disks:
|
| 1.. Right-click on the My Computer icon and select
Properties.
|
| 2.. On the General tab, record the number listed under
the 'Registered
| to:' field. The format of this number is
XXXXX-OEM-XXXXXXX-XXXXX. This is
| the COA number that will be prompted for during the
recovery process.
| 3..
| | > Pray you never have a CRASH..or get your $$$ back from
your brother!
message
| > | > > My brother built my system and installed all my
programs
| > > about 2 years ago. Lately I was looking over my
software
| > > discs and noticed the COA number was not with the XP
disc.
| > > I asked my brother where he put it, he doesn't
remember!
| > > We searched all over and can't find it.
| > > It was an OEM version bought from TCWO. How would I
go
| > > about getting the COA number or am I out of luck? I
am
| > > afraid if I need to reinstall XP if I have a problem,
I
| > > won't be able to.
| > > Jim Smith
| > > (e-mail address removed)
| >
| >
|
|
 
-----Original Message-----
My brother built my system and installed all my programs
about 2 years ago. Lately I was looking over my software
discs and noticed the COA number was not with the XP disc.
I asked my brother where he put it, he doesn't remember!
We searched all over and can't find it.
It was an OEM version bought from TCWO. How would I go
about getting the COA number or am I out of luck? I am
afraid if I need to reinstall XP if I have a problem, I
won't be able to.
Jim Smith
(e-mail address removed)
.
Thanks for all tips. I'll give TCWO a try.
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