How do I recover a lost Windows XP product key?

5 pts.
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Microsoft Windows XP
Windows Product Key
I lost my product key of my XP CD original. What should I do to recover my product key back?


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The only shortcoming I see here, and yes most of these products work well for retrieving lost ID tags for the software (OS), on a running computer. If you have lost the “product code key” for setting up the PC, that is a whole diffeerent ball game. I think you can get a new product ID code by calling Microsoft directly, or if it is like a “proprietary disk” like for an emachine or HP, IBM, or any of those things, you MIGHT be able to get a new ID code from them MAYBE. It might be cheaper and easier to just “bite the bullet” and go and buy a new installation disk.

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  • Chippy088
    There is a free (limited use) program called SIW (System Information for Windows). It will give you limited, but deep information about your system, including the OS key. I have bought the full software and I find it invaluable. Try it, even if only to find your key.
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  • shanekearney
    Also there a free utility called produkey which will give you the license keys for all installed software Hope this also Helps Shane.
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  • Jonehappy
    I usually use Product Key Finder program to recover lost product key. It works for all Windows version, including the latest version.
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  • Karel
    If the computer is unbootable and you can't get into Windows, you can use Windows Key Finder bootable utility.
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  • Chippy088
    @Karel and jonehappy you are new to this site, and I can understand you wanting to respond to a query, but why do you want to promote sites that don't even meet the standards of FREE programs out there that do the same job better. We are after all a site giving our help freely to those who need it. The Op could have googled it and come up with many better free options than those you suggested.
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  • Kevin Beaver
    Elcomsoft has a tool as well (http://www.elcomsoft.com/pspr.html). Do you still have access to the machine on which the software was activated?

    You can also call Microsoft and have it reset. I don't recall but I believe you're presented with a phone number if you're having activation problems. It's an automated system that works pretty well.
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  • jinteik
    I agree with Kevin on calling Microsoft as I have done it before, but it was an operator that gave me the new product key after answering a couple of questions.
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  • LindseyP
    http://mypchell.com/guides/72-locate-the-windows-product-key-on-the-xp-installation-cd
    check out this info

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  • bhannah
    I use Keyfinder, also known as the Magical Jelly Bean. It has a free version and version that costs. Keyfinder finds both the Windows OS Key and the office keys.
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