OEM vs Retail

[dps2k3]

Hi i have a slight problem with an oem windows xp cd, it
has a genuine labeled hologram, but i didnt get a cd key
or coa, is there any way i can get at the key and have the
ability to register windows with microsoft

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No. Having just an OEM CD is worthless. Contact the party
who sold you the CD for assistance in obtaining the Product Key.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

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"dps2k3" > wrote in message:
...
|
| Hi i have a slight problem with an oem windows xp cd, it
| has a genuine labeled hologram, but i didnt get a cd key
| or coa, is there any way i can get at the key and have the
| ability to register windows with microsoft

[Chris Lanier]

You need to contact who ever you bought it from. Microsoft doesnt sell OEM
copies to end users. The OEm provides support for missing/lost keys.

"dps2k3" > wrote in message
...
>
> Hi i have a slight problem with an oem windows xp cd, it
> has a genuine labeled hologram, but i didnt get a cd key
> or coa, is there any way i can get at the key and have the
> ability to register windows with microsoft

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

What is the source of the CD?
If the CD came with a computer, the Product Key is on the computer.
If the CD was purchased with a piece of hardware, the Product Key is
on a sticker on the CD packaging and should have been affixed to the
computer at time of installation.

If you bought the CD and it was already installed on a computer, you
bought a coaster and a Product Key is not necessary.
OEM are normally permanently tied to the first computer installed and
can never be transferred regardless the condition of the original
computer.

Microsoft can not replace CDs or Product Keys for OEM products.
Contact the seller and/or Microsoft piracy as appropriate:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/reporting/

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html


"dps2k3" > wrote in message
...
>
> Hi i have a slight problem with an oem windows xp cd, it
> has a genuine labeled hologram, but i didnt get a cd key
> or coa, is there any way i can get at the key and have the
> ability to register windows with microsoft