Lost product key

[SuhasTS]

Im running an XP SP2 ri8 now, I want to format my computer to an XP SP3..
I have an XP CD with me, but I dont know its product key, Its not written down on the Cd..
How do I find the product key of the CD I have ?
Please help...

 

[random stalker]

download this>
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

it will show you your current product key

 

[SuhasTS]

download this>
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

it will show you your current product key

It will show the current product key , ri8 ..
That is , the product key fom the disc which i used to install my current version... ?? Is that right?
The disc I have right now is not the same one..
So, is it possible t use the same product key with this disc too ?? Please relpy.....

 

[random stalker]

it will show the product key used to activate your windows xp on that computer.
and yes, it doesn't matter which disc you use - as long your serial number is legit, it will activate a second time...

the only difference is: if you had an OEM version and changed your motherboard...

ps: just as a side note - if you fear losing your product key you can always download nlite and make your own personalized windows install disc (and include product key and other info, so you don't have to in the future)...
or ghost your whole system drive after you set up everything - that way you have a backup disc which will reinstall your system in one coffee time...

 

[SuhasTS]

it will show the product key used to activate your windows xp on that computer.
and yes, it doesn't matter which disc you use - as long your serial number is legit, it will activate a second time...

the only difference is: if you had an OEM version and changed your motherboard...

ps: just as a side note - if you fear losing your product key you can always download nlite and make your own personalized windows install disc (and include product key and other info, so you don't have to in the future)...
or ghost your whole system drive after you set up everything - that way you have a backup disc which will reinstall your system in one coffee time...

So, basically, it dosent matter which disc I use , it only matters if the product key is legit??
yes, I have change my motherboard to an Asus M5A78L-M recently.. Will that change affect this installation ?
And could you guide me into making my own personalized windows disc?

 

[random stalker]

1, yes

2, depends on if you had an OEM version of your OS or not. /Most pre-build PCs come with OEM licences because they are cheaper compared to boxed ones./
If you had one, then the OEM version is tied on your first motherboard - you usually can not activate in on another one. /There was once a dispute whether or not is an replacement valid reason for voiding the OEM licence, but dunno how it went. Upgrade on other hand is a reason to void the product key./
If you had a boxed version, then there is no problem.

3, if you want to play around nlite - there is a good guide on their site: http://www.nliteos.com/guide/index.html

 

[SuhasTS]

Thanks You @Random Stalker ...
I Really appreciate your response...

 

[Saga Lout]

With XP, as part of the installation procedure, you need to input the key and that has to match the one embedded in that specific CD. Unlike Vista, 7 and 8, there is no Change Product Key option after installation so if you don't have th ekkey of that CD you won't use it to install.