Can I find the XP Key ?

[ron2368]

Someone installed xp pro on one of my computers using his bulk license, I have the unit but he did not give me any documentation at all. Is there any way I can get the key so if I need to reinstall it?( other than calling him)

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: ron2368
Someone installed xp pro on one of my computers using his bulk license, I have the unit but he did not give me any documentation at all. Is there any way I can get the key so if I need to reinstall it?( other than calling him)

If he charged you for a full XP Pro license then you need to call him and get a legitimate XP Pro license. If he used his volume license key for a computer that does not fall under his purview (one that is not in his 'corporation') then that is technically illegal and you should not have that key.

He needs to rectify this situation if that is what happened.

If anything different than that happened, then I suggest you call him anyway and talk with him, past that I cannot make any recommendations.

 

[novasatori]

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

 

[corkyg]

In addition to the MagicJellybean - you can also download and install free Belarc Advisor. It can show you the keys for all your installed software along with tons of other stuff.

 

[ron2368]

I did a fresh install of xp pro on that pc using a new hard drive and the key jellybean came up with showed as invalid right after i typed it in and hit enter.

The guy I got it from is a MS reseller, it must be an oem, no clue since I have no papers. i know its legit and not bogus.

 

[RebateMonger]

If you still had the orginal install running, the free version of SIW specifically tells you the version (OEM, Volume, Retail) of XP.

When you enter the Key during the install process, a Volume Licensed version will specifically ask for a VOLUME License Key.

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: ron2368
I did a fresh install of xp pro on that pc using a new hard drive and the key jellybean came up with showed as invalid right after i typed it in and hit enter.

If your PC was built by an OEM company, he probably preserved the OEM BIOS pre-activation files and used a generic key during installation (unattended). If so, key finders like Magic Jellybean are going to return the generic key, some of which aren't valid for attended installations or when the OEM BIOS pre-activation files aren't used.

If you did a fresh install, it wiped out those files so you'll need to either use the product key that is on the COA sticker, provide us with more information about the computer system (e.g. make and model), or contact this "someone" for support.

 

[ron2368]

I built the pc myself , he installed to a refurbed HD, I have no COA. The pc is at work, so I will run the SIW above and find out more. I know I may have to call him, I am honestly really trying to avoid it.

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: ron2368
I built the pc myself, he installed to a refurbed HD, I have no COA.

Hmm...that sounds 'peculiar'. Meaning, I will be exiting the discussion at this particular juncture. Good luck!

 

[VirtualLarry]

Speaking of COAs, is it true that if you purchase an OEM copy of windows XP, that you get a COA in the package, but if you purchase a retail copy, there's no COA? At least I've never seen one in a retail package, as that's the only version that I purchase. There's whatever in the package that includes a product key written on it, does that serve as the retail "COA" or proof of license?