product key???

[Kevin]

I have a brand new Dell PC. I don't know much about
reinstalling windows XP onto it, but I do know I need the
product key which is nowhere to be found _ now what??
Please help

[Gene K]

Kevin wrote:
> I have a brand new Dell PC. I don't know much about
> reinstalling windows XP onto it, but I do know I need the
> product key which is nowhere to be found _ now what??
> Please help
Kevin,
Go to this site for a tool which will find the XP key for you:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/. Then save it to a folder in My
Documents, and print a copy and save that file also. That way when you need
it, you have it.
Gene K

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

If not on the case, you likely don't need one. XP is probably BIOS locked
and can't be installed on any other machine. Call Dell tech support, they
will give you the proper procedure and product key if necessary.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend

"Kevin" > wrote in message
...
> I have a brand new Dell PC. I don't know much about
> reinstalling windows XP onto it, but I do know I need the
> product key which is nowhere to be found _ now what??
> Please help

[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


"Kevin" > wrote in message
...
> I have a brand new Dell PC. I don't know much about
> reinstalling windows XP onto it, but I do know I need the
> product key which is nowhere to be found _ now what??
> Please help

[Alex Nichol]

Michael Solomon (MS-MVP-Windows Shell/User) wrote:

>If not on the case, you likely don't need one. XP is probably BIOS =
locked
>and can't be installed on any other machine. Call Dell tech support, =
they
>will give you the proper procedure and product key if necessary.

A BIOS locked one should *still* have the key (25 characters in groups
of five) on a label on the case; often combined with the Cert of
Authenticity. THough it may not be needed for activation as long as the
BIOS is unchanged, it will still be needed for a reinstall


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

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

Yes, quite right. I was incorrect.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend

"Alex Nichol" > wrote in message
...
Michael Solomon (MS-MVP-Windows Shell/User) wrote:

>If not on the case, you likely don't need one. XP is probably BIOS locked
>and can't be installed on any other machine. Call Dell tech support, they
>will give you the proper procedure and product key if necessary.

A BIOS locked one should *still* have the key (25 characters in groups
of five) on a label on the case; often combined with the Cert of
Authenticity. THough it may not be needed for activation as long as the
BIOS is unchanged, it will still be needed for a reinstall


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