CD Key

[Dan]

I lost the CD Key that came with my Windows XP CD. It is
installed on my pc now, but I want to format and reinstall
it. Does anyone know how to get the CD key?

[Jupiter Jones]

Dan;
Follow this link:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
Near the bottom "View Product Key XP"

--
Jupiter Jones
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"Dan" > wrote in message
...
> I lost the CD Key that came with my Windows XP CD. It is
> installed on my pc now, but I want to format and reinstall
> it. Does anyone know how to get the CD key?

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) isn't stored on the installation CD. If it was a retail
license, it's stored somewhere 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.

If your current Windows installation is still functioning, you
should be able to use ViewKeyXP from
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm or AIDA32 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 that of the drive image used at the
factory and not _your_ specific Product Key; therefore, it cannot be
used for a re-installation.)

To recover a lost CD or Product Key:

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 few keep records of Product Keys sold, it's worth a try
before you have to buy a new license. Also, if you did originally
register the OEM installation with Microsoft they might be able to
help, although they're under no obligation to do so; All support is
the sole responsibility of the OEM.


Bruce Chambers

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----
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having both at once. -- RAH


"Dan" > wrote in message
...
> I lost the CD Key that came with my Windows XP CD. It is
> installed on my pc now, but I want to format and reinstall
> it. Does anyone know how to get the CD key?

[Norm]

Go to http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php and download AIDA program. It will
display the key among many other useful bits of information about your
system.

Norm


"Dan" > wrote in message
...
> I lost the CD Key that came with my Windows XP CD. It is
> installed on my pc now, but I want to format and reinstall
> it. Does anyone know how to get the CD key?