Certificate of Authenticity

[Eldon]

The computer has several problems and I want to reinstall Windows XP=20
home addition. The software was originally installed by the business=20
(Computers N Things in Tacoma, WA no longer in business) that=20
assembled the computer. When I try to install I'm asked for a product=20
key which appears on the certificate of authenticity. I can't find such =
a=20
certificate, but there is a label on the CD which is titled Certificate =
of=20
Authenticity and has a 14 digit number. However, the install program=20
asks for a 25 digit number.

Is there a way for me to obtain the correct product number without=20
having to take it to a computer maintenance business.

[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


"Eldon" > wrote in message
...
The computer has several problems and I want to reinstall Windows XP
home addition. The software was originally installed by the business
(Computers N Things in Tacoma, WA no longer in business) that
assembled the computer. When I try to install I'm asked for a product
key which appears on the certificate of authenticity. I can't find such a
certificate, but there is a label on the CD which is titled Certificate of
Authenticity and has a 14 digit number. However, the install program
asks for a 25 digit number.

Is there a way for me to obtain the correct product number without
having to take it to a computer maintenance business.

[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
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:
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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH


"Eldon" > wrote in message
...
The computer has several problems and I want to reinstall Windows XP
home addition. The software was originally installed by the business
(Computers N Things in Tacoma, WA no longer in business) that
assembled the computer. When I try to install I'm asked for a product
key which appears on the certificate of authenticity. I can't find
such a
certificate, but there is a label on the CD which is titled
Certificate of
Authenticity and has a 14 digit number. However, the install program
asks for a 25 digit number.

Is there a way for me to obtain the correct product number without
having to take it to a computer maintenance business.