Need to re-install XP and Office Works after a crash. No one knows
where the 'KEY' numbers are. How can we find them?

Re: XP Key Numbers by Malke

Malke
Wed Mar 26 12:01:37 PDT 2008

Joe Winkleman wrote:

> Need to re-install XP and Office Works after a crash. No one knows
> where the 'KEY' numbers are. How can we find them?

If XP and Office (no such thing as "Office Works") are still installed on
the computer, you can retrieve them with a free utility like Magical Jelly
Bean.

If you can't run Windows, then you'll need to find those keys. If XP came
preinstalled on your computer, the first thing to do is find your restore
disks (if the computer came with them). That will install your operating
system without needing to worry about the Product Key. If that isn't your
situation and the computer came with XP preinstalled but no restore disks,
the Product Key is on a sticker on the side of the computer case if a
desktop, on the bottom if a laptop.

If you had a retail version of XP, the sticker is on the case that holds the
install CD and is bright orange and says something like "DO NOT LOSE THIS
STICKER".

The Office (or Works) Product Keys will be on a sticker on the CD case
holding Office or Works.

Otherwise:

If you have lost your XP product Key, the best option is to call Microsoft.
Call on Microsoft Licensing Fulfillment Center Toll Free Number (800)
248-0655 Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Pacific time.
Contact Microsoft page -
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=csscontactfind

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.

How to obtain a new product key for Office program setup -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823570/en-us

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Re: XP Key Numbers by JS

JS
Wed Mar 26 12:18:22 PDT 2008

Here are four utilities, all of which will display your product key:
Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
(It does a good job of providing a wealth of information)
Also: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
and: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
and RockXP: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4138.html which has additional
features

Note: Also check the side of your PC case or bottom of the laptop for the
OEM key code. If there is a sticker with the code it will most likely not
match what is displayed by the utilities mentioned above as OEMs such as
Dell use an internal
key code when they build your PC.

The key code on the sticker is for use with your Windows CD that hopefully
came with your PC.

JS

"Joe Winkleman" <jfw66@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:fq5lu3th2dfb3vsbvo0p3r4c2brdi07pfq@4ax.com...
> Need to re-install XP and Office Works after a crash. No one knows
> where the 'KEY' numbers are. How can we find them?



Re: XP Key Numbers by Shenan

Shenan
Wed Mar 26 13:27:42 PDT 2008

Joe Winkleman wrote:
> Need to re-install XP and Office Works after a crash. No one knows
> where the 'KEY' numbers are. How can we find them?

You asked this already.
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics/browse_frm/thread/3381c322c1aab6d6/ed926e98257bcf5a#ed926e98257bcf5a




Joe Winkleman wrote:
> Need to re-install XP and Office Works after a crash. Do not have
> original containers so we do not haes'key' numbers. How can I get
> these without having to pay MS $49?

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> So you need to cleanly install Microsoft Windows XP (what version?
> Home, Professional, TabletPC, Media Center, x64, etc?) and
> Microsoft Works (what version?) and you do not have the
> installation media nor did your computer come with a restoration
> method that you can now utilize? (Although if you bought it new
> and those were pre-installed, part of the manufacturer's agreement
> is that they provide you with a manner to restore to an 'as
> purchased' state...)
>
> Are you certain?
>
> Your computer case (if an OEM computer) likely has a sticker on it
> that contains the product key for the Windows XP (whatever version
> it came with) operating system. Although it is entirely possible
> that whatever method for restoration/recovery given to you by the
> original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the computer in question
> does not require that you actually *have* those numbers in order to
> restore/recover.
>
> My suggestion(s) are:
> - Follow the manufacturer's recommended method for
> restoration/recovery.
> - Look for the sticker I spoke of earlier containing the product
> key.
> - Look through the computer documentation and such for the
> recovery/restoration method.
> - Contact the manufacturer for assistance - especially if you have
> lost parts of the above listed items.
>
> Otherwise - barring any of that - if you have lost the installation
> media and/or the product keys for one or more of the products
> previously installed - you may have to purchase them anew - as you
> have lost what you need and not all loss comes without some cost to
> you. ;-) You can - after all - easily copy said media and
> seperately store additional copies - including serial
> numbers/product keys in alternative and safe locations with ease
> when it comes to computers.

And then you never continued the original conversation...

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html



Re: XP Key Numbers by VanguardLH

VanguardLH
Wed Mar 26 13:50:08 PDT 2008

"Joe Winkleman" <jfw66@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:fq5lu3th2dfb3vsbvo0p3r4c2brdi07pfq@4ax.com...
> Need to re-install XP and Office Works after a crash. No one knows
> where the 'KEY' numbers are. How can we find them?


For OEM versions of Windows XP (if that is what you meant by just "XP"),
look on the COA sticker on your computer.

For product keys for other software, look on the box, manual, or jewel
case that came with the software.



Re: XP Key Numbers by VanguardLH

VanguardLH
Wed Mar 26 13:51:31 PDT 2008

"Shenan Stanley" <newshelper@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:exFAZ$3jIHA.1168@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Joe Winkleman wrote:
>> Need to re-install XP and Office Works after a crash. No one knows
>> where the 'KEY' numbers are. How can we find them?
>
> You asked this already.
> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics/browse_frm/thread/3381c322c1aab6d6/ed926e98257bcf5a#ed926e98257bcf5a


Guess he is still fishing around hoping someone takes the hook to supply
him with a purloined key code.


Re: XP Key Numbers by Bruce

Bruce
Wed Mar 26 19:29:43 PDT 2008

Joe Winkleman wrote:
> Need to re-install XP and Office Works after a crash. No one knows
> where the 'KEY' numbers are. How can we find them?


The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is not on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form.
It 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 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://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

Re: XP Key Numbers by Xandros

Xandros
Wed Mar 26 22:26:16 PDT 2008

Even if you can't boot Windows if you haven't wiped the drive you can create
a bootable CD that contains version of Keyfinder that should enable you to
locate the key on your install of XP
http://www.ubcd4win.com/

--

Xandros


"Joe Winkleman" <jfw66@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:fq5lu3th2dfb3vsbvo0p3r4c2brdi07pfq@4ax.com...
> Need to re-install XP and Office Works after a crash. No one knows
> where the 'KEY' numbers are. How can we find them?