XP Product Key

[cobuckman99]

How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after you have already installed the product on your PC? That info has to be stored some where in the operating system. How can you pull that information up?

[Patti MacLeod]

Hi cobuckman99,

You could use the freeware Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml


Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

"cobuckman99" > wrote in message
...
> How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after you have
already installed the product on your PC? That info has to be stored some
where in the operating system. How can you pull that information up?

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

The free utility at the following site will reveal the key to you:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

"cobuckman99" > wrote in message
...
> How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after you have
> already installed the product on your PC? That info has to be stored some
> where in the operating system. How can you pull that information up?

[*Vanguard*]

"cobuckman99" said in
:=20
> How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after you
> have already installed the product on your PC? That info has to be
> stored some where in the operating system. How can you pull that
> information up? =20

Belarc Advisor
Aida32

--=20
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Post replies to newsgroup. Share with others. E-mail not accepted.
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[Ken Blake, MVP]

Xref: kermit microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics:208406

In ,
cobuckman99 > typed:

> How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after
you
> have already installed the product on your PC? That info has
to be
> stored some where in the operating system. How can you pull
that
> information up?



You can find the Product key with any of these:

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/ViewKeyXP.exe

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

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

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup

[Dr. Phil]

from your PC chassis or the sleeve on your disk...unless, you have a pirated
copy of XP......which in your case could be.....


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
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[~ FreeSpirit ~]

"Dr. Phil" > wrote in message
...
> from your PC chassis or the sleeve on your disk...unless, you have a
pirated
> copy of XP......which in your case could be.....
=================================
When you buy a PC with W-XP "already installed" the key is NOT on the
chassis. If it is, it is so well hidden only the PC maker would know where
to look. Not everyone buys the XP disk at the store.

FS..........

[Steve C. Ray]

Maybe yours isn't but most are.

--
Steve C. Ray
(Replace "mail" with "36db"
"~ FreeSpirit ~" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Dr. Phil" > wrote in message
> ...
> > from your PC chassis or the sleeve on your disk...unless, you have a
> pirated
> > copy of XP......which in your case could be.....
> =================================
> When you buy a PC with W-XP "already installed" the key is NOT on the
> chassis. If it is, it is so well hidden only the PC maker would know
where
> to look. Not everyone buys the XP disk at the store.
>
> FS..........
>
>

[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 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
PC; 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


"cobuckman99" > wrote in message
...
> How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after you
> have already installed the product on your PC? That info has to be
> stored some where in the operating system. How can you pull that
> information up?

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

That's the product ID number, not the CD key which is what the OP needs in
order to reinstall.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

"'chelle" > wrote in message
...
> Go to your control panel and then system it should have your name and the
> product key number.
>
> ----- cobuckman99 wrote: -----
>
> How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after you
> have already installed the product on your PC? That info has to be stored
> some where in the operating system. How can you pull that information up?

[Morgana.]

"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 label that the PC manufacturer
> affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop.

not so ... unfortunately
I have a HP desktop OEM ... did not have label anywhere ...
I have a Sony laptop OEM ... no label ....

and it truly irks me that when I buy a machine
with product (XP Pro) installed
a CD of said product is not included.

Morgana.

> 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
> PC; 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
> "cobuckman99" > wrote in message
> ...
> > How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after you
> > have already installed the product on your PC? That info has to be
> > stored some where in the operating system. How can you pull that
> > information up?

[Jim Macklin]

Then don't but a computer that doesn't come with CDs to
restore the system.


"Morgana." <gemmstar20(Take Out)@yahoodotcom> wrote in
message ...
| "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 label that the PC
manufacturer
| > affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom
of a laptop.
|
| not so ... unfortunately
| I have a HP desktop OEM ... did not have label anywhere
....
| I have a Sony laptop OEM ... no label ....
|
| and it truly irks me that when I buy a machine
| with product (XP Pro) installed
| a CD of said product is not included.
|
| Morgana.
|
| > 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
| > PC; 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
| > "cobuckman99" >
wrote in message
| >
...
| > > How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code
is after you
| > > have already installed the product on your PC? That
info has to be
| > > stored some where in the operating system. How can
you pull that
| > > information up?
|
|

[wojo]

"Morgana." <gemmstar20(Take Out)@yahoodotcom> wrote in message
...
> "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 label that the PC manufacturer
>> affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop.
>
> not so ... unfortunately
> I have a HP desktop OEM ... did not have label anywhere ...
> I have a Sony laptop OEM ... no label ....
>

All HP desktops have a sticker on the machine (usually on the back with HP)
that has the Product Key on it.
Sony Laptops have a sticker on the bottom of the laptop with the Product Key
on it.

> and it truly irks me that when I buy a machine
> with product (XP Pro) installed
> a CD of said product is not included.
>

A utility comes with HP desktops that alow you to make the CD, it is stored
on a separate partition on your HDD. You also have the option of contacting
HP and they will send you a disk for $10.
I'm not sure about Sony, when I was selling compters Sony still packed with
a OEM disk.
But I am sure, if they no longer do, then the same thing that applies to HP
applies to Sony.

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If you can help me thanks.

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http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/blast.asp
TweakUI and other PowerToys:
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp



> Morgana.
>
>> 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
>> PC; 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
>> "cobuckman99" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after you
>> > have already installed the product on your PC? That info has to be
>> > stored some where in the operating system. How can you pull that
>> > information up?
>
>

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

If they didn't come with a CD, they may not need such a key to restore from
their recovery partition.

It irks me as well. If enough people complain or balk at purchasing any
unit that doesn't include at least a CD of the operating system, perhaps the
manufacturer's will begin to include them again or, at the very least, offer
it as optional. This is strictly the manufacturer's decision. For me, when
I'm shopping for a computer, no CD is a deal breaker.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

"Morgana." <gemmstar20(Take Out)@yahoodotcom> wrote in message
...
> "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 label that the PC manufacturer
>> affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop.
>
> not so ... unfortunately
> I have a HP desktop OEM ... did not have label anywhere ...
> I have a Sony laptop OEM ... no label ....
>
> and it truly irks me that when I buy a machine
> with product (XP Pro) installed
> a CD of said product is not included.
>
> Morgana.
>
>> 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
>> PC; 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
>> "cobuckman99" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after you
>> > have already installed the product on your PC? That info has to be
>> > stored some where in the operating system. How can you pull that
>> > information up?
>
>

[wojo]

Pinch yourself Michael, your dreaming again.
Been complaining ever since HP started this partition redtore crap and even
the retail reps complain about it. But to no avail and it's been going on 6
years now since they started doing it.

"Michael Solomon (MS-MVP Windows Shell/User)" > wrote in
message ...
> If they didn't come with a CD, they may not need such a key to restore
> from their recovery partition.
>
> It irks me as well. If enough people complain or balk at purchasing any
> unit that doesn't include at least a CD of the operating system, perhaps
> the manufacturer's will begin to include them again or, at the very least,
> offer it as optional. This is strictly the manufacturer's decision. For
> me, when I'm shopping for a computer, no CD is a deal breaker.
>
> --
> Michael Solomon MS-MVP
> Windows Shell/User
> Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
> DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/
>
> "Morgana." <gemmstar20(Take Out)@yahoodotcom> wrote in message
> ...
>> "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 label that the PC manufacturer
>>> affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop.
>>
>> not so ... unfortunately
>> I have a HP desktop OEM ... did not have label anywhere ...
>> I have a Sony laptop OEM ... no label ....
>>
>> and it truly irks me that when I buy a machine
>> with product (XP Pro) installed
>> a CD of said product is not included.
>>
>> Morgana.
>>
>>> 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
>>> PC; 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
>>> "cobuckman99" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>> > How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after you
>>> > have already installed the product on your PC? That info has to be
>>> > stored some where in the operating system. How can you pull that
>>> > information up?
>>
>>
>
>

[bxb7668]

Do a google search for any of these tools: Belarc Advisor, keyfinder,
or aida32 (which may still be downloaded but is being discontinued)

"odisman3" > wrote in message
...
> Good luck. The product ID that's in the registry is not the same
code that you put in when installing the software. Best bet is to call
Microsoft and get a new one - if you have a legal copy that is
>
> ----- cobuckman99 wrote: -----
>
> How can you find out what your XP OS Product Key Code is after
you have already installed the product on your PC? That info has to
be stored some where in the operating system. How can you pull that
information up?