I lost my Windows XP Home CD-Key. Is there any way to retrieve it?

Question

I still have the original installation disc.

Answer 1

It's not stored on the disc. It is stored in the registry however. So if you still have access to your Windows installation, you can find it there.

If you don't feel like manually finding it in the registry, use a tool like the one listed here:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/

Now if you don't have access to Windows any longer, then you'll need to call Microsoft. It's hard for me to believe that you didn't keep your XP Home disc in its original packaging, because Microsoft does a good job making sure your product key is labeled on the part that holds the CD. But if you somehow threw that part away, a Microsoft rep will try to find your info when you registered the key (hopefully you did).

Answer 2

Luckily there are numerous ways to find a lost product key. The easiest way is to download a free key finder program and have it automatically search your computer for product keys from software you have installed.

These key finder programs are great for finding lost keys from operating systems like Windows XP, Windows Vista and more. Many also find lost CD keys from Microsoft Office and other programs.

Most users looking for a way to find product keys are trying to locate the one used for their Microsoft Windows installation. If that's the case for you and you'd rather not download unfamiliar software to help with your hunt, there are some manual ways to locate the product key for some of Microsoft's older operating systems:

Find the Windows 95 Product Key Code
Find the Windows 98 Product Key Code
Find the Windows ME Product Key Code

If you're using a newer Microsoft Windows version like Windows XP or Windows Vista, the product key is encrypted in the registry and you'll need to use one of the product key finder programs to locate it.

Source: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/productkeysactivation/f/lostproductkey.htm



You can find the Product key for WindowsXP with any of these:

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/ViewKeyXP.exe

http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=32

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html



Source: http://www.windowskb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/windowsxp/51670/product-key-in-xp

Answer 3

If you still have it installed in your computer, www.download.com has some key retrieval programs. If you have a dell computer the key label is on your computer. If you wiped the hard drive you're going to have to contact Microsoft. -Good Luck

Answer 4

Insert your xp cd. bypass to my laptop and click "folders" on the main superb of seek button. you will see the folders in the left ingredient. click thechronic C or the xp after which you will see the products it includes. And in that way you will see the "serial" and open it. That serial is your xp cd key. in case you do no longer see it, it skill that your cd is pirated.

Answer 5

Go to http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=1385 and download Belarc Advisor. It will tell you everything on your computer and the key number of your Windows.

Answer 6

You didn't tell your location.
The best way is to call Microsoft, They have offices in almost every country. Call them, an autmated system shall answer, simply choose to talk to an operator.
Microsoft is very helpful.
You can even find your country in the link below.

Answer 7

If you have Windows XP still running - you can extract it with a tool like Belarc advisor (free).