lost cd key

[joe]

I lost the product cd key for my xp home edition. Is there
any place on the computer I can find it again

[Ramesh]

Joe,

If Windows is running:

In Windows XP, the product key is no longer available as Clear text in
registry. you need a software to view the key:

Retrieve your XP CD key
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm

This utility works for retail versions:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/ViewKeyXP.exe

AIDA32
http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=32

JellyBean KeyFinder
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

--
Ramesh





"joe" > wrote in message
...
I lost the product cd key for my xp home edition. Is there
any place on the computer I can find it again

[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

--
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having both at once. -- RAH


"joe" > wrote in message
...
> I lost the product cd key for my xp home edition. Is there
> any place on the computer I can find it again

[Alex Nichol]

joe wrote:

>I lost the product cd key for my xp home edition. Is there=20
>any place on the computer I can find it again

get the free Aida 32, enterprise edition from
http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=3D32
which is an excellent general System Info tool, and its Software -
Licenses page will tell you the one used for Windows and ones for
several other items.

Note that if the machine came with XP installed, this will probably give
a key used in producing an original image, then cloned to all machines
they make. So it is not the one for a reinstall. But then the key will
be on a label on the case of the machine

--=20
Alex Nichol MS MVP (Windows Technologies)
Bournemouth, U.K.