key for win xp

[Zoomzoomers]

I bought a used laptop that had win xp home on it. I reformated the hard drive thinking the key would be on the botton of it but it wasn't. Anyone know how I can get a key without having to buy a new version of windows? thanks.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: Zoomzoomers
I bought a used laptop that had win xp home on it. I reformated the hard drive thinking the key would be on the botton of it but it wasn't. Anyone know how I can get a key without having to buy a new version of windows? thanks.

*If* the OS was included with the purchase of the laptop, the person selling it to you is responsible. If it was not, you need to purchase a license.

Bill

 

[WPFossil]

Do a search for keys, they're out there - it would be a shame for you to have to purchase a license. The only problem with a key you'll find in a search is that the "Genuine Advantage" thingy they have going now might reject you.

 

[corkyg]

When you buy a used laptop from someone, the OS is not usually part of the deal. Most come with a restore CD that has the OEM OS built in. The key comes with the laptop's documentation. Ergo - use your own copy of XP and its key or go back to the seller and get the documentation that came with the laptop.

I don't under stand your thinking about finding a key on the bottom of the drive. Never hear of that. You could have gotten the key with a freeware utility before reformatting. Too late now.

 

[WPFossil]

Originally posted by: corkyg
You could have gotten the key with a freeware utility before reformatting. Too late now.

Everest is great freeware that will give you the key from your system and tons of other great info. Very professional.

http://www.lavalys.com/products/overview.php?pid=1%E2%8C%A9=en&pageid=1

 

[spherrod]

Originally posted by: corkyg
When you buy a used laptop from someone, the OS is not usually part of the deal. Most come with a restore CD that has the OEM OS built in. The key comes with the laptop's documentation. Ergo - use your own copy of XP and its key or go back to the seller and get the documentation that came with the laptop.

I don't under stand your thinking about finding a key on the bottom of the drive. Never hear of that. You could have gotten the key with a freeware utility before reformatting. Too late now.

Older Dell Laptops had the XP Key stuck on the underside of the laptop case.

 

[kd7fhd]

My T30 Thinkpad has the sticker on the bottom of the case with the W2K key and the new Dell computer at work has the XP key on it also. Most new computers come with a sticker like Zoomzoomers said.

Since you have reformatted the hard drive you will need special software to recover that number but it just might be possible (not easy, but possible).

Try GetDataBack (there are two seperate versions: 1 for FAT & 1 for NTFS)

You will need a second hard drive to restore the files to. My suggestion would be to install the software on a desktop computer then remove the laptop hard drive and install it in the desktop as a slave drive then save the recovered files to the desktop hard drive.

 

[MrChad]

OEMs are required to affix the CD-Key sticker on the machine itself. This is because OEM license agreements are non-transferrable; they are tied to the original hardware they are purchased with.

 

[rkoenn]

I am a small builder of systems and sell XP with them. I am "required" to stick the activation code sticker on the box I sell. I have also serviced systems from Dell, HP, etc. and most have the sticker on the box/laptop somewhere. The code on the sticker usually works with all XP CDs and does not have to be used with the garbage recovery CDs these guys ship with the systems (which also install all kinds of garbage besides windows for the novice user). It sounds to me as if the person you boughtn your laptop from probably did not have XP to begin with and installed a pirated copy. If so, as others have said, you will be stuck with using an early version of XP with one of the well known activation code keys. If you have already reformatted you cannot recover the original code the guy used, which was probably illegal anyway. If he used one of the "well known" codes, you would be limited to original XP as any SP upgrades check for those keys. Good luck, you might have to shell out a few bucks to become "legal" if you want all the so called benefits.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: WPFossil
Do a search for keys, they're out there - it would be a shame for you to have to purchase a license. The only problem with a key you'll find in a search is that the "Genuine Advantage" thingy they have going now might reject you.

Looking to get banned?

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: MrChad
OEMs are required to affix the CD-Key sticker on the machine itself. This is because OEM license agreements are non-transferrable; they are tied to the original hardware they are purchased with.

I'm sure virtuallarry will pop in any minute to explain to you how this is illegal

 

[Zoomzoomers]

Well thanks all. I pretty much already knew I was "SOL" but now I'm sure of it. I guess I should have looked under the laptop for the key before I bought it from the guy. But I got it for such a cheap price that I had a brain fart. Either way, even if I go out and buy XP, which I will, I'll still be ahead since I paid $200 for a Toshiba Satellite S1105. I was just hoping for something I guess. Again thanks all and off I go to blow some more doe.

 

[WPFossil]

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: WPFossil
Do a search for keys, they're out there - it would be a shame for you to have to purchase a license. The only problem with a key you'll find in a search is that the "Genuine Advantage" thingy they have going now might reject you.

Looking to get banned?

Why, is this sight owned by Microsoft? I'm not saying he should steal a key - But if he has a legit copy of XP, I'd hate to see him pay for it all over again.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: WPFossil

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: WPFossil
Do a search for keys, they're out there - it would be a shame for you to have to purchase a license. The only problem with a key you'll find in a search is that the "Genuine Advantage" thingy they have going now might reject you.

Looking to get banned?

Why, is this sight owned by Microsoft? I'm not saying he should steal a key - But if he has a legit copy of XP, I'd hate to see him pay for it all over again.

This site is not owned by Microsoft, but discussions of pirated software (or assisting folks in pirating software) is generally prohibited. Anandtech could be liable otherwise. The truth is that we don't know if this laptop came with a valid copy of XP without a COA.

 

[3chordcharlie]

If you can't get the key from the previous owner, you are indeed SOL.

A lot of people on this board are students - if you are, it is VERY likely that your school will provide windows XP to you for free, or at a nominal cost.

Unfortunately, you could have got the key from the registry before you reformatted, but it's a little late for that now.

 

[Zoomzoomers]

First of all, I'm sorry if I stirred up a hornet's nest here with this issue. I never meant for that to happen. In either case I only blame myself for not checking such a simple thing before I decided to buy the laptop. I don't know the seller so asking him for such information would be pretty much useless. As he did state clearly that the laptop sale would be on an "as is" basis. Furthermore, I'm not a student but sometimes wish I was back in school. Especially, if they're giving out free versions of windows these days. The only thing they gave out for free when I was in school was parking tickest in the student lots. Anyway, to put a close on the matter I ordered Win XP Home edition yesterday. It cost me $65 so I guess it wasn't a bad deal. I got a pretty decent laptop for a great price. That makes me feel better about the situation and I'm sticking with it. LOL.

Thanks everyone for your concern and advice. It's been much appreciated.