cd key

[Nick]

I need to re-load Windows XP Home and I can not find my
little green book that has the CD Key on it. Is there any
way to get that number?

[Ryan Nelson]

Call Microsoft and they will charege you $10 for a new product key?
1-800-936-5700

"Nick" > wrote in message
...
> I need to re-load Windows XP Home and I can not find my
> little green book that has the CD Key on it. Is there any
> way to get that number?

[Bruce Chambers]

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:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH


"Nick" > wrote in message
...
> I need to re-load Windows XP Home and I can not find my
> little green book that has the CD Key on it. Is there any
> way to get that number?

[Gary Tait]

On Thu, 11 Dec 2003 19:36:29 -0700, "Bruce Chambers"
> wrote:

>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

Some aftermarket OEM discs come with a booklet with the Product Key on
a label on the back of it, with a little COA label, indicating genuine
MS product (but not like the elaborate ones on 1st tier pre-built
machines)

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

True, with accompanying instructions to affix the label to the PC
on which it's installed.

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH


"Gary Tait" > wrote in message
...
>
> Some aftermarket OEM discs come with a booklet with the Product Key
on
> a label on the back of it, with a little COA label, indicating
genuine
> MS product (but not like the elaborate ones on 1st tier pre-built
> machines)