Windows XP

[happy medium]

What do I do if I lost my Windows XP pro product key. I tried to reinstall windows but it asks for product key

 

[Extelleron]

Someone else might know more but I think you're screwed. Anyone can get a Win XP cd, it's the product key that's really valuable.

 

[Kreon]

try calling microsoft, explain to them your problem
They might do something other than assume you're a pirate

I wonder? would your CD have the key ingrained on it?
Maybe you could send it to them so they know it's a legit copy of Windows

You could always switch to Linux

 

[timswim78]

Have you erased your old installation? If not, you can get the key from it. Just google for keyfinder.

Is this a restore CD or a Windows XP cd?

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: timswim78
Have you erased your old installation? If not, you can get the key from it. Just google for keyfinder.

Is this a restore CD or a Windows XP cd?

Yea I erased the old installation like a dummy.
it 's a windows xp CD

 

[nweaver]

without your COA, you have no proof that you own windows. I would try and put the COA on your case next time, so you can find it, or file it away a bit better.

 

[peter2679]

man, i've done that many times. i don't even know the original cd key anymore. i call up microsoft, they ask me to describe the cd and then they give me a new cd key. the problem is that that key only works once, even though the people i talk to at microsoft say that it should always work. i think i've called microsoft 5 times already for a new key. Last time i called though they told me "this is the last time". thank god vista is coming out.

ps. finding the right number to call is also hard. i usually call the first number i find on the microsoft website and then get bounced around till somebody can help me.

 

[kmmatney]

I lost my original key (a small sticker) a while back, but luckily made a blown-up photocopy of it. I have the OEM version, and have had to call Microsoft twice after making hardware changes to my system, but luckily I still have the photocopy of the key. I don't think the CD matters - I replaced my original with a slip-streamed version and the key still works.