Product key no longer available

[WILF]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Without getting into a debate over bootlegged software, I have my disc, I
don't have the folder which had the product key. Valid reason, too long to
explain. Is there anyway to replace the corrupt os without having the
product key. I thought I would be slick and chose to repair rather than
completely replace and that got me 3/4 of the way through a repair before
being asked for the product key. Now I can't do anything, I'm stuck at the
enter product key screen with no options. Reboot takes 30 minutes and then
back to the same spot.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

If you purchased a "Retail Version" of Windows XP, read the following:

How to replace lost, broken, or missing Microsoft software or hardware
;326246]http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[ln];326246

If Windows XP came preinstalled on your computer, you'll have to contact
the manufacturer of your computer and order a replacement Restore CD.

If you purchase a Microsoft "OEM Version", you'll have to contact
the original seller for assistance.

If none of above is helpful, you'll have to bite the bullet and
visit a local computer software retailer and purchase a new
copy of Windows XP. Your Windows XP CD is valueless
without the Product Key that came with it.

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

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Wilf" wrote:

| Without getting into a debate over bootlegged software, I have my disc, I
| don't have the folder which had the product key. Valid reason, too long to
| explain. Is there anyway to replace the corrupt os without having the
| product key. I thought I would be slick and chose to repair rather than
| completely replace and that got me 3/4 of the way through a repair before
| being asked for the product key. Now I can't do anything, I'm stuck at the
| enter product key screen with no options. Reboot takes 30 minutes and then
| back to the same spot.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

At this point there is nothing you can do except put in the product key. Had
you asked prior to beginning we could have told you how to extract the
present key from your Windows XP installation. It too late for that now!



--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard 🙂

If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!


"Wilf" <Wilf@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0A11E244-2D9D-41AF-A0E8-BB6CE14F9860@microsoft.com...
> Without getting into a debate over bootlegged software, I have my disc, I
> don't have the folder which had the product key. Valid reason, too long
> to
> explain. Is there anyway to replace the corrupt os without having the
> product key. I thought I would be slick and chose to repair rather than
> completely replace and that got me 3/4 of the way through a repair before
> being asked for the product key. Now I can't do anything, I'm stuck at
> the
> enter product key screen with no options. Reboot takes 30 minutes and
> then
> back to the same spot.

 

[george]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

"Wilf" <Wilf@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0A11E244-2D9D-41AF-A0E8-BB6CE14F9860@microsoft.com...
> Without getting into a debate over bootlegged software, I have my disc, I
> don't have the folder which had the product key. Valid reason, too long
> to
> explain. Is there anyway to replace the corrupt os without having the
> product key. I thought I would be slick and chose to repair rather than
> completely replace and that got me 3/4 of the way through a repair before
> being asked for the product key. Now I can't do anything, I'm stuck at
> the
> enter product key screen with no options. Reboot takes 30 minutes and
> then
> back to the same spot.

There might still be a way to get your current product key from the system.
First you need to get a little program called Keyfinder at
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/ and put it somewhere, even on a floppy if
you like.
Now, at the install screen where you're still at hit F10.
That will open up a command prompt and allow you to fire up this keyfinder
(like: a:\keyfinder) and write down the key it brings up (if install hasn't
cleared out the old info already, which would be a bummer :-(( )

hth

george

 

[george]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

"Wilf" <Wilf@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0A11E244-2D9D-41AF-A0E8-BB6CE14F9860@microsoft.com...
> Without getting into a debate over bootlegged software, I have my disc, I
> don't have the folder which had the product key. Valid reason, too long
> to
> explain. Is there anyway to replace the corrupt os without having the
> product key. I thought I would be slick and chose to repair rather than
> completely replace and that got me 3/4 of the way through a repair before
> being asked for the product key. Now I can't do anything, I'm stuck at
> the
> enter product key screen with no options. Reboot takes 30 minutes and
> then
> back to the same spot.

Forgot to mention, alternatively you could google/get RockXP, which tells
you a whole lot more than just the key for your installed OS.
Check it out
🙂)

george

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Wilf wrote:
> Without getting into a debate over bootlegged software, I have my disc, I
> don't have the folder which had the product key. Valid reason, too long to
> explain. Is there anyway to replace the corrupt os without having the
> product key. I thought I would be slick and chose to repair rather than
> completely replace and that got me 3/4 of the way through a repair before
> being asked for the product key. Now I can't do anything, I'm stuck at the
> enter product key screen with no options. Reboot takes 30 minutes and then
> back to the same spot.


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." It is not on the installation CD
in any way, shape, or form. 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 Belarc
Advisor from http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html 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 the computer's
manufacturer; 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