Lost my OEM number

[prewsky]

How can I reinstall Windows XP after I lost my OEM number
from the back of my users manual? Is that number stored
anywhere?

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is 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.

To recover a lost Product Key:

If your current Win2K installation is still functioning, you may
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. 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, including the replacement of lost Product
Keys and/or CDs.


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


"prewsky" > wrote in message
...
> How can I reinstall Windows XP after I lost my OEM number
> from the back of my users manual? Is that number stored
> anywhere?

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is 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.

To recover a lost Product Key:

If your current Win2K installation is still functioning, you may
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. 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, including the replacement of lost Product
Keys and/or CDs.


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


"prewsky" > wrote in message
...
> How can I reinstall Windows XP after I lost my OEM number
> from the back of my users manual? Is that number stored
> anywhere?

[PinoNL]

"prewsky" > schreef in bericht
...
> How can I reinstall Windows XP after I lost my OEM number
> from the back of my users manual? Is that number stored
> anywhere?

Rightclick on My Computer and the properties, then you'll see the OEM
number.

[PinoNL]

"prewsky" > schreef in bericht
...
> How can I reinstall Windows XP after I lost my OEM number
> from the back of my users manual? Is that number stored
> anywhere?

Rightclick on My Computer and the properties, then you'll see the OEM
number.

[Len Segal]

Not on a WinXP machine. If you try this on your own machine all you get are
numbers, yet the PID (what the OP is really looking for) is a mix of letters
and numbers.

--

Regards,
Len Segal, MCP
Microsoft - MVP
--------------
My reply address is intentionally wrong to reduce SPAM Email.
NOTE: We do not respond to unsolicited Email support questions,
please post questions in newsgroup.

"PinoNL" > wrote in message
news:9GBqa.18425$Wd5.2693495@zonnet-reader-1...
>
> "prewsky" > schreef in bericht
> ...
> > How can I reinstall Windows XP after I lost my OEM number
> > from the back of my users manual? Is that number stored
> > anywhere?
>
> Rightclick on My Computer and the properties, then you'll see the OEM
> number.
>
>


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.476 / Virus Database: 273 - Release Date: 4/24/2003

[Len Segal]

Not on a WinXP machine. If you try this on your own machine all you get are
numbers, yet the PID (what the OP is really looking for) is a mix of letters
and numbers.

--

Regards,
Len Segal, MCP
Microsoft - MVP
--------------
My reply address is intentionally wrong to reduce SPAM Email.
NOTE: We do not respond to unsolicited Email support questions,
please post questions in newsgroup.

"PinoNL" > wrote in message
news:9GBqa.18425$Wd5.2693495@zonnet-reader-1...
>
> "prewsky" > schreef in bericht
> ...
> > How can I reinstall Windows XP after I lost my OEM number
> > from the back of my users manual? Is that number stored
> > anywhere?
>
> Rightclick on My Computer and the properties, then you'll see the OEM
> number.
>
>


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.476 / Virus Database: 273 - Release Date: 4/24/2003

[JimC]

Len,

Posts by Prewsky, PinoNL, and yourself raise a very interesting question
about the rights of XP users:
(1) Prewsky asked how to find his OEM number (Product ID).
(2) PinoNL correctly said <My Computer> will display OEM number (Product
ID).
(3) You pointed out that XP activation requires Product Key rather than
Product ID.
(4) According to Windows XP Product Activation Overview: "The product key
also forms the basis for the product ID that is created when Windows XP is
installed. Each licensed instance of Windows XP has a unique Product ID. The
Product ID has 20 characters arranged like this: 12345-123-1234567-12345. It
is listed in the properties for My Computer."

Why should Prewsky or any other user need anything beyond Product ID (OEM
number)
to assert their usage rights. Once Product ID has been created, isn't XP
broken if it denies access on the basis of activation? How can MS for
retail versions, or the OEM for OEM versions, refuse to fix or replace XP
for a user who has a legitimate Product ID?

Jim

"Len Segal" > wrote in message
...
> Not on a WinXP machine. If you try this on your own machine all you get
are
> numbers, yet the PID (what the OP is really looking for) is a mix of
letters
> and numbers.
>
> --
>
> Regards,
> Len Segal, MCP
> Microsoft - MVP
> --------------
> My reply address is intentionally wrong to reduce SPAM Email.
> NOTE: We do not respond to unsolicited Email support questions,
> please post questions in newsgroup.
>
> "PinoNL" > wrote in message
> news:9GBqa.18425$Wd5.2693495@zonnet-reader-1...
> >
> > "prewsky" > schreef in bericht
> > ...
> > > How can I reinstall Windows XP after I lost my OEM number
> > > from the back of my users manual? Is that number stored
> > > anywhere?
> >
> > Rightclick on My Computer and the properties, then you'll see the OEM
> > number.
> >
> >
>
>
> ---
> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.476 / Virus Database: 273 - Release Date: 4/24/2003
>
>

[JimC]

Len,

Posts by Prewsky, PinoNL, and yourself raise a very interesting question
about the rights of XP users:
(1) Prewsky asked how to find his OEM number (Product ID).
(2) PinoNL correctly said <My Computer> will display OEM number (Product
ID).
(3) You pointed out that XP activation requires Product Key rather than
Product ID.
(4) According to Windows XP Product Activation Overview: "The product key
also forms the basis for the product ID that is created when Windows XP is
installed. Each licensed instance of Windows XP has a unique Product ID. The
Product ID has 20 characters arranged like this: 12345-123-1234567-12345. It
is listed in the properties for My Computer."

Why should Prewsky or any other user need anything beyond Product ID (OEM
number)
to assert their usage rights. Once Product ID has been created, isn't XP
broken if it denies access on the basis of activation? How can MS for
retail versions, or the OEM for OEM versions, refuse to fix or replace XP
for a user who has a legitimate Product ID?

Jim

"Len Segal" > wrote in message
...
> Not on a WinXP machine. If you try this on your own machine all you get
are
> numbers, yet the PID (what the OP is really looking for) is a mix of
letters
> and numbers.
>
> --
>
> Regards,
> Len Segal, MCP
> Microsoft - MVP
> --------------
> My reply address is intentionally wrong to reduce SPAM Email.
> NOTE: We do not respond to unsolicited Email support questions,
> please post questions in newsgroup.
>
> "PinoNL" > wrote in message
> news:9GBqa.18425$Wd5.2693495@zonnet-reader-1...
> >
> > "prewsky" > schreef in bericht
> > ...
> > > How can I reinstall Windows XP after I lost my OEM number
> > > from the back of my users manual? Is that number stored
> > > anywhere?
> >
> > Rightclick on My Computer and the properties, then you'll see the OEM
> > number.
> >
> >
>
>
> ---
> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.476 / Virus Database: 273 - Release Date: 4/24/2003
>
>

[Len Segal]

Jim,

I assume that you are asking a legal question, and in no way am I qualified
to answer it.

Technology answer: When you do an install/re-install it asks for the PK and
the SW doesn't let you beyond that point if you can't satisfactorily answer
the question (remember it is just "dumb software" <g>). At that point you do
have a few options:
- Contact MS with the info that you have (assuming it is Retail product), or
OEM if it is OEM product (OEM and not MS assumes all responsibility for OEM
product, including mfr of disks/manuals/etc. if they are one of the "big
guys"). MS has some mechanisms in place to help legit customers here. Each
OEM "does their own thing" in this space, as part of their (and the end
user) Licensing agreements.
- Use a 3rd party utility that will parse the info and return to the user
the real PK that can be used for the install (assuming Retail or an
individual install of OEM). NOTE HERE: If the install was one of the
"cloning blasts" done by a factory (where they blast 50+ HDDs
simultaneously), the PK that you get likely will not work (as all HDDs
created would have the same "bogus" PK used only for the "cloning blast"
purpose - these are not Activated with MS nor do they require Activation)!

Personally, it is a lot easier to use one of the 3rd-party tools than to
contemplate legal action to "prove your rights as a consumer", even if you
are correct.

--

Regards,
Len Segal, MCP
Microsoft - MVP
--------------
My reply address is intentionally wrong to reduce SPAM Email.
NOTE: We do not respond to unsolicited Email support questions,
please post questions in newsgroup.

"JimC" > wrote in message
...
> Len,
>
> Posts by Prewsky, PinoNL, and yourself raise a very interesting question
> about the rights of XP users:
> (1) Prewsky asked how to find his OEM number (Product ID).
> (2) PinoNL correctly said <My Computer> will display OEM number (Product
> ID).
> (3) You pointed out that XP activation requires Product Key rather than
> Product ID.
> (4) According to Windows XP Product Activation Overview: "The product key
> also forms the basis for the product ID that is created when Windows XP is
> installed. Each licensed instance of Windows XP has a unique Product ID.
The
> Product ID has 20 characters arranged like this: 12345-123-1234567-12345.
It
> is listed in the properties for My Computer."
>
> Why should Prewsky or any other user need anything beyond Product ID (OEM
> number)
> to assert their usage rights. Once Product ID has been created, isn't XP
> broken if it denies access on the basis of activation? How can MS for
> retail versions, or the OEM for OEM versions, refuse to fix or replace XP
> for a user who has a legitimate Product ID?
>
> Jim



---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.476 / Virus Database: 273 - Release Date: 4/24/2003

[JimC]

Len,

I understand and appreciate your comprehensive technology answer!

What prompted my posting were other postings in various NGs where users said
it was difficult to deal with MS and/or OEMs on this issue. All I was
trying to point out is that MS states that licenses are tied to Product ID
rather than Product Key. This suggests that users who can authenticate
their rights via Product ID should argue this point when they encounter
vendor arrogance with respect to Product Key.

Jim

"Len Segal" > wrote in message
...
> Jim,
>
> I assume that you are asking a legal question, and in no way am I
qualified
> to answer it.
>
> Technology answer: When you do an install/re-install it asks for the PK
and
> the SW doesn't let you beyond that point if you can't satisfactorily
answer
> the question (remember it is just "dumb software" <g>). At that point you
do
> have a few options:
> - Contact MS with the info that you have (assuming it is Retail product),
or
> OEM if it is OEM product (OEM and not MS assumes all responsibility for
OEM
> product, including mfr of disks/manuals/etc. if they are one of the "big
> guys"). MS has some mechanisms in place to help legit customers here. Each
> OEM "does their own thing" in this space, as part of their (and the end
> user) Licensing agreements.
> - Use a 3rd party utility that will parse the info and return to the user
> the real PK that can be used for the install (assuming Retail or an
> individual install of OEM). NOTE HERE: If the install was one of the
> "cloning blasts" done by a factory (where they blast 50+ HDDs
> simultaneously), the PK that you get likely will not work (as all HDDs
> created would have the same "bogus" PK used only for the "cloning blast"
> purpose - these are not Activated with MS nor do they require Activation)!
>
> Personally, it is a lot easier to use one of the 3rd-party tools than to
> contemplate legal action to "prove your rights as a consumer", even if you
> are correct.
>
> --
>
> Regards,
> Len Segal, MCP
> Microsoft - MVP
> --------------
> My reply address is intentionally wrong to reduce SPAM Email.
> NOTE: We do not respond to unsolicited Email support questions,
> please post questions in newsgroup.
>
> "JimC" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Len,
> >
> > Posts by Prewsky, PinoNL, and yourself raise a very interesting question
> > about the rights of XP users:
> > (1) Prewsky asked how to find his OEM number (Product ID).
> > (2) PinoNL correctly said <My Computer> will display OEM number (Product
> > ID).
> > (3) You pointed out that XP activation requires Product Key rather than
> > Product ID.
> > (4) According to Windows XP Product Activation Overview: "The product
key
> > also forms the basis for the product ID that is created when Windows XP
is
> > installed. Each licensed instance of Windows XP has a unique Product ID.
> The
> > Product ID has 20 characters arranged like this:
12345-123-1234567-12345.
> It
> > is listed in the properties for My Computer."
> >
> > Why should Prewsky or any other user need anything beyond Product ID
(OEM
> > number)
> > to assert their usage rights. Once Product ID has been created, isn't
XP
> > broken if it denies access on the basis of activation? How can MS for
> > retail versions, or the OEM for OEM versions, refuse to fix or replace
XP
> > for a user who has a legitimate Product ID?
> >
> > Jim
>
>
>
> ---
> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.476 / Virus Database: 273 - Release Date: 4/24/2003
>
>