Hey guys, I'm looking to reformat my windows XP machine (by just reinstalling windows all over again), but the problem is I lost the windows XP installation CD that came with the computer. I do have another XP computer that i have the disk for, though.
My question is, is there any way to retrieve the windows key from my computer (the one I'm looking to reformat), write it down, then when i re-install i can just type it in again? Isn't this the key that shows up when you right click on my computer? Thanks in advance.
Any help is appreciated.
2007-01-05 14:50:32 · 8 answers · asked by johnny d 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
sounds good guys, will this work okay? i won't have any problems with windows authentication, will i?
2007-01-05 15:07:10 · update #1
Also, based on this warning from the first link, it looks like this is not possible:
If your system came pre-installed with XP, the Product Key that any (free or paid for) key finder or system resources utility retrieves most likely will be the Generic Key the OEM uses to install and NOT the Product Key you need to reinstall.
Is that right?
2007-01-05 15:08:49 · update #2
I think it's in the registry, but I don't know where, and it would need decoding.
but I heard it's in there somewhere, and there is a way to get it, but I just don't know
try searching the internet, I'm sure someone has instructions on how to do it.
2007-01-05 14:53:06 · answer #1 · answered by You may be right 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have lost it, you can retrieve it from the Windows registry:
1) Open the Registry Editor (start, run, and type "regedit)
2) Navigate to HKEY_LOCALMACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ WindowsNT\ CurrentVersion.
3) Find ProductId. The CD Key is digits 6 thought 15.
Another thought - did you look at your box? Many times the manufacturer puts a sticker on it with the code you need.
2007-01-05 14:53:41 · answer #2 · answered by Nevada Lady 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Click the Start button, Run . Type in regedit and click OK . Your
registry editor program will start.
2. Next, head to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Microsoft . Make
sure you open (double click) the Microsoft folder.
3. Now, scroll down to the program you want to re-install. Double-click
its folder and look for another folder called " Current Version ."
4. Double-click that and look for an entry for " ProductKey " or "
ProductId " in the right windowpane. If you find it, you've found your
code!
2007-01-05 14:56:49 · answer #3 · answered by Monk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Firdt of all you like a win xp cd-rom. After this you will possibly desire to substitute the boot order from the bios... ie your boot order might desire to be like it incredibly is you dont elect to word a floppy: 1st :cd rom 2nd: puzzling disk 0.33:floppy or none put in the cd rom and restart ur computer. a call will are available ur tutor demonstrate screen the placement u elect for start up computer with cd-rom help. after that shop on with the learning. you would be waiting to place in a sparkling sparkling reproduction. playstation :you would be waiting to regulate THE BIOS SETTINGS (shop AND circulate out available)as quickly as you RESTSRT UR computer some element IS WRITTEN LIKE PRESS DEL to bypass SETTINGS OR comparable.
2016-10-30 03:16:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Belarc advisor (free edition) can display the keys of the softwares installed on the computer
2007-01-05 14:57:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes there is. search google for a program that will recover your key from the registry.
2007-01-05 14:55:52 · answer #6 · answered by Matthew K 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are several programs that will do this. See the following webpage:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm
2007-01-05 14:52:40 · answer #7 · answered by Mack D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can find it in the registry.or go to pcworld.com and download a tool to recover it.good luck.
2007-01-05 14:56:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋