Restoring COA Product Key

[Guest Richard Harison]

Help!

Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates

installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top of

the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know that

somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I have no

Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer service is

pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through Microsoft. I have

Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but they cannot ID the OS

any more than saying it is XP.

Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't be

the first kid on the block....

 

--

All the Best,

Richard Harison

[Guest Patrick Keenan]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

"Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

news:Oo$dz2ARIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> Help!

> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates

> installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top of

> the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know that

> somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I have no

> Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer service is

> pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through Microsoft. I

> have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but they cannot ID

> the OS any more than saying it is XP.

> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't

> be the first kid on the block....

 

 

If the OS is actually running, use any of the key-find utilities, which

include Belarc Advisor and the Magical JellyBean key finder.

 

Write the key down on something and tape it to the PC case.

 

HTH

-pk

>

> --

> All the Best,

> Richard Harison

>

[Guest Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

There may be no way to recover the key.

There are tools that can identify the key used to install, but the key

used for installation is normally an image key and different from the

key on the sticker.

 

Microsoft probably can not help since Windows XP is OEM.

Dell can not help since they as well as most OEMs do not keep records

of the key.

 

However as long as you use the Dell provided media on that computer,

you should not need the key.

 

--

Jupiter Jones [MVP]

http://www3.telus.net/dandemar

 

 

 

"Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

news:Oo$dz2ARIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> Help!

> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the

> updates installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked

> on the top of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it

> off. I know that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install

> the OS and now I have no Product Key. I have the OEM disk from

> Dell, but their customer service is pathetic in this regard--saying

> it has to be done through Microsoft. I have Dell's service tag #

> and express service code #, but they cannot ID the OS any more than

> saying it is XP.

> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I

> can't be the first kid on the block....

>

> --

> All the Best,

> Richard Harison

[Guest Bruce Chambers]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

Richard Harison wrote:

> Help!

> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates

> installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top of

> the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know that

> somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I have no

> Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer service is

> pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through Microsoft. I have

> Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but they cannot ID the OS

> any more than saying it is XP.

> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't be

> the first kid on the block....

>

 

 

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the

installation) is not on the installation CD in any way, shape, or form.

If it was an OEM (factory installed) license, it's stored on a label

that the PC manufacturer affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on

the bottom of a laptop.

 

If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since

reinstalled the OS, the Product Key revealed by various software

utilities is that of the drive image used at the factory and not your

specific Product Key; therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely

should not be -- used for a re-installation.

 

Your only record of your Product Key (unless you wrote it down and

stored it somewhere safe) was that CoA label. Whomever destroyed that

label also, in affect, tore up your license to use the OS. Your only

possible solution would be to persuade Dell to issue you another Product

Key, which they are under no obligation to do.

 

 

 

--

 

Bruce Chambers

 

Help us help you:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

 

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary

safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

 

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

 

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has

killed a great many philosophers.

~ Denis Diderot

[Guest Richard Harison]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <jones_jupiter@hotnomail.com> wrote in message

news:C50D93FF-235B-4558-A40D-CB778188B8F3@microsoft.com...

> There may be no way to recover the key.

> There are tools that can identify the key used to install, but the key

> used for installation is normally an image key and different from the key

> on the sticker.

>

> Microsoft probably can not help since Windows XP is OEM.

> Dell can not help since they as well as most OEMs do not keep records of

> the key.

>

> However as long as you use the Dell provided media on that computer, you

> should not need the key.

>

> --

> Jupiter Jones [MVP]

> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar

>

>

>

> "Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

> news:Oo$dz2ARIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>> Help!

>> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates

>> installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top

>> of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know

>> that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I

>> have no Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer

>> service is pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through

>> Microsoft. I have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but

>> they cannot ID the OS any more than saying it is XP.

>> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

>> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't

>> be the first kid on the block....

>>

>> --

>> All the Best,

>> Richard Harison

>

 

 

Unless, of course I need to reinstall from scratch. I tried inserting the

OEM disk, and, sho nuff, It asked for the product key. If people were

honest, we wouldn't have to go through this insolvable s**t!

 

There is a barcode on the sealed envelope and a product key, but it is only

20 chrs. (suspect some sort of Dell # -- but as I said-- they are of no

help

 

--

All the Best,

Richard Harison

[Guest Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

You should not need the key if you use the media as Dell intended.

Or are you doing something different?

 

--

Jupiter Jones [MVP]

http://www3.telus.net/dandemar

 

 

 

"Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

news:ecWtLpBRIHA.4752@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> Unless, of course I need to reinstall from scratch. I tried

> inserting the

> OEM disk, and, sho nuff, It asked for the product key. If people

> were

> honest, we wouldn't have to go through this insolvable s**t!

>

> There is a barcode on the sealed envelope and a product key, but it

> is only 20 chrs. (suspect some sort of Dell # -- but as I said--

> they are of no help

>

> --

> All the Best,

> Richard Harison

[Guest Richard Harison]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <jones_jupiter@hotnomail.com> wrote in message

news:%23s76V4BRIHA.5400@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> You should not need the key if you use the media as Dell intended.

> Or are you doing something different?

>

> --

> Jupiter Jones [MVP]

> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar

>

>

>

> "Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

> news:ecWtLpBRIHA.4752@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> Unless, of course I need to reinstall from scratch. I tried inserting

>> the

>> OEM disk, and, sho nuff, It asked for the product key. If people were

>> honest, we wouldn't have to go through this insolvable s**t!

>>

>> There is a barcode on the sealed envelope and a product key, but it is

>> only 20 chrs. (suspect some sort of Dell # -- but as I said-- they are

>> of no help

>>

>> --

>> All the Best,

>> Richard Harison

>

 

I beg to differ!! I am using EVERYTHING as set up by Dell. My concern is

that I do complete re-installs about every year either by schedule or

emergency. (both occur in my life!)

I DO NEED the key. As an experiment, I inserted the OEM CD and it prompted

for the key immediately. I assure you I am a completely legit & licensed

user of this 2 month old computer.

 

--

All the Best,

Richard Harison

[Guest Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

I was not questioning the legitimacy.

But unless Dell has changed the way their media works, you do not need

to input the Product Key.

If the key is required, something has changed.

 

Check with the Dell newsgroup for options:

alt.sys.pc-clone.dell

 

--

Jupiter Jones [MVP]

http://www3.telus.net/dandemar

 

 

 

"Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

news:O%23pMhLCRIHA.4128@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> I beg to differ!! I am using EVERYTHING as set up by Dell. My

> concern is that I do complete re-installs about every year either by

> schedule or emergency. (both occur in my life!)

> I DO NEED the key. As an experiment, I inserted the OEM CD and it

> prompted for the key immediately. I assure you I am a completely

> legit & licensed user of this 2 month old computer.

>

> --

> All the Best,

> Richard Harison

[Guest Richard Harison]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <jones_jupiter@hotnomail.com> wrote in message

news:eNDZCTCRIHA.4740@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>I was not questioning the legitimacy.

> But unless Dell has changed the way their media works, you do not need to

> input the Product Key.

> If the key is required, something has changed.

>

> Check with the Dell newsgroup for options:

> alt.sys.pc-clone.dell

>

> --

> Jupiter Jones [MVP]

> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar

>

>

>

> "Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

> news:O%23pMhLCRIHA.4128@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>> I beg to differ!! I am using EVERYTHING as set up by Dell. My concern

>> is that I do complete re-installs about every year either by schedule or

>> emergency. (both occur in my life!)

>> I DO NEED the key. As an experiment, I inserted the OEM CD and it

>> prompted for the key immediately. I assure you I am a completely legit &

>> licensed user of this 2 month old computer.

>>

>> --

>> All the Best,

>> Richard Harison

>

 

 

IT HAS changed . 1st input after loading original is for product key.

 

--

All the Best,

Richard Harison

[Guest Xandros]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

Ok you read the rhetoric. But before you skin the person who tore up the COA

(which is by the way Dell's responsibility and not Microsoft's so don't let

them bull sh*t you) you can always try the install and cancel it after that

prompt for the Product Key. No harm will be done if you attempt the install

from the XP Desktop. Download one of the many key finders. This one works

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

 

Record the Product Key it reveals. Start the install of XP using your CD but

make certain you are doing this from the Windows Desktop and not by booting

the CD. You should be greeted with a screen to Install. Start the install.

You will be prompted for the Product key very early BEFORE you are prompted

to restart the computer. Simply enter the uncovered Product Key into the 5

boxes. Then click the button to install. If the key works you will go to the

next screen at which time you can cancel the install. No harm no foul. If

the key doesn't work then you will get an error to that effect.

 

 

--

 

Xandros

 

 

"Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

news:Oo$dz2ARIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> Help!

> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates

> installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top of

> the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know that

> somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I have no

> Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer service is

> pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through Microsoft. I

> have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but they cannot ID

> the OS any more than saying it is XP.

> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't

> be the first kid on the block....

>

> --

> All the Best,

> Richard Harison

>

[Guest Daave]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

Richard Harison wrote:

> Help!

> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the

> updates installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked

> on the top of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it

> off.

 

If you purchased a new Dell, then who stripped off the sticker?! I'd

kill them!

> I know that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install

> the OS and now I have no Product Key.

 

If you're never able to figure out the product key, the best thing you

can do is use a program like Acronis True Image and make an image of

your hard drive in a near-pristine (yet complete with updates, etc.)

state. That way, you can always "reinstall your OS."

> I have the OEM disk from Dell,

> but their customer service is pathetic in this regard--saying it has

> to be done through Microsoft.

 

*What* is it that has to be done through Microsoft (according to Dell's

customer service)?

> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I

> can't be the first kid on the block....

 

Xandros's idea seems to be a good one. I'm not sure the method will

work, but I guess it won't hurt to try. (I'd still image the hard drive

beforehand.)

 

What kind of disk do you have? What does it say on it?

 

And what kind of Dell is this?

 

Here is how things *normally* work with Dells:

 

Open up the winnt.sif file on the CD and write down the Product Key.

This should match the Product Key when you run Belarc, Magical Jellybean

Finder, etc. This is the "golden master" key used by Dell for that

particular model number. If you reinstall using the Dell reinstallation

disk, you are not asked for the key (it's locked to the BIOS; so it's

automatic and there is no need to activate, either). If for some reason,

you ever reinstall from a generic OEM disk, you are to enter the key

found on the COA sticker.

 

In another post, you said that things have

> changed . 1st input after loading original is for product key.

 

What exactly do you mean by "1st input after loading original?"

[Guest Rodney Rogers]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

Make a copy of your registry and then copy it back after a clean install!

 

Or go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\

MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENT VERSION and write down ProductId & Product Key

 

 

"Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

news:Oo$dz2ARIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> Help!

> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates

> installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top of

> the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know that

> somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I have no

> Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer service is

> pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through Microsoft. I

> have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but they cannot ID

> the OS any more than saying it is XP.

> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't

> be the first kid on the block....

>

> --

> All the Best,

> Richard Harison

>

[Guest Richard Harison]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

"Rodney Rogers" <rrogers972@comcast.net> wrote in message

news:66ydnaSGsL4lrvDanZ2dnUVZ_uWlnZ2d@comcast.com...

> Make a copy of your registry and then copy it back after a clean install!

>

> Or go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\

> MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENT VERSION and write down ProductId & Product Key

>

>

> "Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

> news:Oo$dz2ARIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>> Help!

>> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates

>> installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top

>> of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know

>> that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I

>> have no Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer

>> service is pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through

>> Microsoft. I have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but

>> they cannot ID the OS any more than saying it is XP.

>> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

>> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't

>> be the first kid on the block....

>>

>> --

>> All the Best,

>> Richard Harison

>>

>

>

 

Thanks Rodney...

Did the registry path...found the ProductID key (some OEM long #) but no

product key

 

--

All the Best,

Richard Harison

[Guest Richard Harison]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

"Patrick Keenan" <test@dev.null> wrote in message

news:OjiAuFBRIHA.4400@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> "Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

> news:Oo$dz2ARIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>> Help!

>> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates

>> installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top

>> of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know

>> that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I

>> have no Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer

>> service is pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through

>> Microsoft. I have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but

>> they cannot ID the OS any more than saying it is XP.

>> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

>> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't

>> be the first kid on the block....

>

>

> If the OS is actually running, use any of the key-find utilities, which

> include Belarc Advisor and the Magical JellyBean key finder.

>

> Write the key down on something and tape it to the PC case.

>

> HTH

> -pk

>

>>

>> --

>> All the Best,

>> Richard Harison

>>

>

>

 

Thanks Patrick. Both Belarc & MJB coughed up the same code. I tried it

with the OEM CD and it accepted the code Cancelled the install at that point

 

--

All the Best,

Richard Harison

[Guest Richard Harison]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

"Xandros" <arron.neus*remove*@gmailcom> wrote in message

news:eSTxt3DRIHA.5288@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> Ok you read the rhetoric. But before you skin the person who tore up the

> COA (which is by the way Dell's responsibility and not Microsoft's so

> don't let them bull sh*t you) you can always try the install and cancel it

> after that prompt for the Product Key. No harm will be done if you attempt

> the install from the XP Desktop. Download one of the many key finders.

> This one works fine http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

>

> Record the Product Key it reveals. Start the install of XP using your CD

> but make certain you are doing this from the Windows Desktop and not by

> booting the CD. You should be greeted with a screen to Install. Start the

> install. You will be prompted for the Product key very early BEFORE you

> are prompted to restart the computer. Simply enter the uncovered Product

> Key into the 5 boxes. Then click the button to install. If the key works

> you will go to the next screen at which time you can cancel the install.

> No harm no foul. If the key doesn't work then you will get an error to

> that effect.

>

>

> --

>

> Xandros

>

>

> "Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

> news:Oo$dz2ARIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>> Help!

>> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates

>> installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top

>> of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know

>> that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I

>> have no Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer

>> service is pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through

>> Microsoft. I have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but

>> they cannot ID the OS any more than saying it is XP.

>> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

>> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't

>> be the first kid on the block....

>>

>> --

>> All the Best,

>> Richard Harison

>>

>

>

 

 

Thanks...

Both Belarc & MJB coughed up the same code. I tried it with the OEM CD

and it accepted the code. Cancelled the install at that point

 

--

All the Best,

Richard Harison

[Guest Richard Harison]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

"Daave" <dcwashNOSPAM@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote in message

news:%23B2gb7ERIHA.5400@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> Richard Harison wrote:

>> Help!

>> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the

>> updates installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked

>> on the top of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it

>> off.

>

> If you purchased a new Dell, then who stripped off the sticker?! I'd

> kill them!

>

>> I know that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install

>> the OS and now I have no Product Key.

>

> If you're never able to figure out the product key, the best thing you

> can do is use a program like Acronis True Image and make an image of

> your hard drive in a near-pristine (yet complete with updates, etc.)

> state. That way, you can always "reinstall your OS."

>

>> I have the OEM disk from Dell,

>> but their customer service is pathetic in this regard--saying it has

>> to be done through Microsoft.

>

> *What* is it that has to be done through Microsoft (according to Dell's

> customer service)?

>

>> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

>> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I

>> can't be the first kid on the block....

>

> Xandros's idea seems to be a good one. I'm not sure the method will

> work, but I guess it won't hurt to try. (I'd still image the hard drive

> beforehand.)

>

> What kind of disk do you have? What does it say on it?

>

> And what kind of Dell is this?

>

> Here is how things *normally* work with Dells:

>

> Open up the winnt.sif file on the CD and write down the Product Key.

> This should match the Product Key when you run Belarc, Magical Jellybean

> Finder, etc. This is the "golden master" key used by Dell for that

> particular model number. If you reinstall using the Dell reinstallation

> disk, you are not asked for the key (it's locked to the BIOS; so it's

> automatic and there is no need to activate, either). If for some reason,

> you ever reinstall from a generic OEM disk, you are to enter the key

> found on the COA sticker.

>

> In another post, you said that things have

>

>> changed . 1st input after loading original is for product key.

>

> What exactly do you mean by "1st input after loading original?"

>

>

 

 

Thanks Daave!

 

Dell 9200 w/Intel Core Duo

Disk is Dell--says *operating System Already Installed on your computer*

*reinstallation CD MS Windows XP Home edition SP2*

 

Belarc & MJB coughed up the same code as the winnt.sif file. I tried it

with the OEM CD and it accepted the code Cancelled the install at that point

 

Sorry about *1st input* confusion. What I meant was I was prompted for the

Key right off the bat.

 

--

All the Best,

Richard Harison

[Guest Richard Harison]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <jones_jupiter@hotnomail.com> wrote in message

news:eNDZCTCRIHA.4740@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>I was not questioning the legitimacy.

> But unless Dell has changed the way their media works, you do not need to

> input the Product Key.

> If the key is required, something has changed.

>

> Check with the Dell newsgroup for options:

> alt.sys.pc-clone.dell

>

> --

> Jupiter Jones [MVP]

> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar

>

>

>

> "Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

> news:O%23pMhLCRIHA.4128@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>> I beg to differ!! I am using EVERYTHING as set up by Dell. My concern

>> is that I do complete re-installs about every year either by schedule or

>> emergency. (both occur in my life!)

>> I DO NEED the key. As an experiment, I inserted the OEM CD and it

>> prompted for the key immediately. I assure you I am a completely legit &

>> licensed user of this 2 month old computer.

>>

>> --

>> All the Best,

>> Richard Harison

>

 

Thank you JJ!

 

--

All the Best,

Richard Harison

[Guest Richard Harison]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

"Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

news:Oo$dz2ARIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> Help!

> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the updates

> installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked on the top of

> the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it off. I know that

> somewhere down the line I will have to re-install the OS and now I have no

> Product Key. I have the OEM disk from Dell, but their customer service is

> pathetic in this regard--saying it has to be done through Microsoft. I

> have Dell's service tag # and express service code #, but they cannot ID

> the OS any more than saying it is XP.

> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I can't

> be the first kid on the block....

>

> --

> All the Best,

> Richard Harison

>

 

I would like to thank all who helped me with this problem. I have taken ALL

the advice Including the utility programs mentioned.

Thanks again one & all

 

--

All the Best,

Richard Harison

[Guest Daave]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

Richard Harison wrote:

> "Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

> news:Oo$dz2ARIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>> Help!

>> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the

>> updates installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked

>> on the top of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it

>> off. I know that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install

>> the OS and now I have no Product Key. I have the OEM disk from

>> Dell, but their customer service is pathetic in this regard--saying

>> it has to be done through Microsoft. I have Dell's service tag #

>> and express service code #, but they cannot ID the OS any more than

>> saying it is XP.

>> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

>> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I

>> can't be the first kid on the block....

>>

>> --

>> All the Best,

>> Richard Harison

>>

>

> I would like to thank all who helped me with this problem. I have

> taken ALL the advice Including the utility programs mentioned.

> Thanks again one & all

 

You're welcome.

 

Did you ever solve your problem? What did you need to do?

[Guest Richard Harison]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

"Daave" <dcwashNOSPAM@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote in message

news:%23exaSFbRIHA.4152@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> Richard Harison wrote:

>> "Richard Harison" <noway@invalid.com> wrote in message

>> news:Oo$dz2ARIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>>> Help!

>>> Just purchased new Dell, which is working fine. (XP Home--all the

>>> updates installed) Unfortunately the COA sticker was placed crooked

>>> on the top of the machine and someone, thinking it ugly, stripped it

>>> off. I know that somewhere down the line I will have to re-install

>>> the OS and now I have no Product Key. I have the OEM disk from

>>> Dell, but their customer service is pathetic in this regard--saying

>>> it has to be done through Microsoft. I have Dell's service tag #

>>> and express service code #, but they cannot ID the OS any more than

>>> saying it is XP.

>>> Tried forums through MS website-- all leading to dead ends.

>>> Is there possibly a SIMPLE solution to regaining my Product Key? I

>>> can't be the first kid on the block....

>>>

>>> --

>>> All the Best,

>>> Richard Harison

>>>

>>

>> I would like to thank all who helped me with this problem. I have

>> taken ALL the advice Including the utility programs mentioned.

>> Thanks again one & all

>

> You're welcome.

>

> Did you ever solve your problem? What did you need to do?

>

>

 

Hi Daave...

Solved the problem by listening to all the wonderful ideas from you folks.

It is NOT a problem for now, I was just looking ahead to the ugly day when I

will have to reinstall...you know...when Windows takes 45 seconds to shut

down, etc.... all the signs of a bloated system. I knew the destroyed COA

tag could be an issue. Only advice I reluctantly did not take was

installing Acronis. I am on dial-up, the file from them was 137 MB.

(ouch!) and the PDF manual was 119 pages. When I got this new (October)

machine, I also took the advice from this group to avoid Norton like the

plague. Now system restore works marvelously! (fancy way of backing up

registry.

Since BelArc (& MJB & opening a file on the Dell reinstall disk) produced

the same Product Key, and I tried it--- it worked!

Not so worried anymore, although I am tiffed by Dell & MS casting stones at

each other...caught in the crossfire

THANKS to all again!

--

All the Best,

Richard Harison

[choka]

Re: Restoring COA Product Key

 

Hi

 

If your system still runs you can use special software to recover your Windows key. Most of them support some versions of Windows and some other Microsoft products. Also there is a products like "Recover Keys" ( Recover Lost Product Keys for Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, Office, SQL, Exchange - CD-Key Retrieve - Overview ) that support all Windows versions and 300+ of other major software packages.