Lost cd key

[Ron]

how can I contact microsoft to get my cd key, without
paying $35.

[John E. Carty]

Download ViewKeyXP and retrieve it for free:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/ViewKeyXP.exe

"Ron" > wrote in message
...
> how can I contact microsoft to get my cd key, without
> paying $35.

[Perdita X. Nitt]

Ron wrote:
> how can I contact microsoft to get my cd key, without
> paying $35.

If you have an OEM licence (i.e. it came with your computer) then you don't
contact Microsoft at all. Microsoft do not, cannot and will not assist with
OEM installations. You must contact whomever sold you the system.

--
Perdita X. Dream

Please help us to help you
http://groups.google.com
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
Please note that the reply address is fake.
Keep all posts to the groups as private requests for assistance
(i.e. email/IM) cannot be acknowledged. Thank you.

[Harry Ohrn]

Take this link and scroll to the bottom of the page
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm

--

Harry Ohrn - MS MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


"Ron" > wrote in message
...
> how can I contact microsoft to get my cd key, without
> paying $35.

[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 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 or ViewKeyXP from
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm 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


"Ron" > wrote in message
...
> how can I contact microsoft to get my cd key, without
> paying $35.