Discussion on:

Find a lost Windows product key

JT,
I have dealt with this many times, I upgrade/rebuild PCs for a living....
First, to clarify, Your saying your HD is dead so you cannot use any programs to read the drive and get the Key as previously installed.

This is an easy fix, IF you have a sticker on the side of the PC with a License Key on it for the operating system you want to install.
Every store bought PC will have this, Every PC I build, I put the sticker on the side.

When you pay for a Windows OS, you are realy paying for that number. If you have that number, you can use most any Windows CD to install the OS. After you install the OS, you will have to activate the product, if it does not activate, you will be given a Phone number to call Bill Gates. Call, tell them you repalced the HD and used a CD laying around the house to install Windows. They will ask you if the OS is on any other PCs (that really means, is the key activated on any other PCs?). Tell them no and the will give you a looooong serious of numbers to enter in the blocks and BINGO, your done...

I have done this MANY times and they NEVER give me any crap. Sorry MS bashers out there!!!

Now, sometimes you have a bit of a problem getting the install to take your numbers from the side. That is because there are 2 types of OS CDs out there and you need to use the correct one that was used on your PC.

-There is OEM CD, this is what is used by the PC manufactures; HP etc. They are stamped "Not to be resold or used on any other product yada yada yada"
-There is a store purchased CD

I keep both, guess which to use and then use the other if I run into problems...

This Activation thing really is not a problem...

ps MS bashers....MS is so nice, if your running a bootleg Win OS, and know what your doing, you will still get all the IMPORTANT security updates needed, you just won't get any free fun stuff from Windows..

BA

I went back and looked at the the old PC tower and sure enough there on the side was the small Microsoft sticker on the side with the License Key for the XP Home system. Everything worked out just as you outlined.

Many thank;

JT,

Glad you had the sticker, glad to here it worked out. As many times that I have called MS, they have never refused to provide the info to reactivate (or whatever that does) my OS system.

I do wonder what would happen if the key was being used on 2 machines. I guess eventually one would kick out as a non valid install during an automatic update.

BA

JT,
I have dealt with this many times, I upgrade/rebuild PCs for a living....
First, to clarify, Your saying your HD is dead so you cannot use any programs to read the drive and get the Key as previously installed.

This is an easy fix, IF you have a sticker on the side of the PC with a License Key on it for the operating system you want to install.
Every store bought PC will have this, Every PC I build, I put the sticker on the side.

When you pay for a Windows OS, you are realy paying for that number. If you have that number, you can use most any Windows CD to install the OS. After you install the OS, you will have to activate the product, if it does not activate, you will be given a Phone number to call Bill Gates. Call, tell them you repalced the HD and used a CD laying around the house to install Windows. They will ask you if the OS is on any other PCs (that really means, is the key activated on any other PCs?). Tell them no and the will give you a looooong serious of numbers to enter in the blocks and BINGO, your done...

I have done this MANY times and they NEVER give me any crap. Sorry MS bashers out there!!!

Now, sometimes you have a bit of a problem getting the install to take your numbers from the side. That is because there are 2 types of OS CDs out there and you need to use the correct one that was used on your PC.

-There is OEM CD, this is what is used by the PC manufactures; HP etc. They are stamped "Not to be resold or used on any other product yada yada yada"
-There is a store purchased CD

I keep both, guess which to use and then use the other if I run into problems...

This Activation thing really is not a problem...

ps MS bashers....MS is so nice, if your running a bootleg Win OS, and know what your doing, you will still get all the IMPORTANT security updates needed, you just won't get any free fun stuff from Windows..

BA

I ALWAYS write in permanent ink any serial numbers, activation codes, CD Keys, etc. directly on the CD before ever doing anything further that way if I have the media, I have the numbers. If I copy it onto other media (such as a network drive for installation - I create a text file on the root portion and name it the number. Such as SN-ABC12345.txt or KEY-1a2b3 c4d5e....txt
I also keep a spreadsheet with CD description and code listing.

Never had to worry about lost keys and such after starting this process.

No problem with PA issues.

I regularly reformat or swap parts on my machine and rather than reactivate every time i find it easier to either 1) use the same hard drive image with minimal excess (OS, Updates, Office) getting rid of the need to reactivate or 2) use the backup WPA obtained with RockXP, which is quite possibly the best software I've found yet for dealing with WinXP product hassles. Freeware avaiilable at http://www.softpedia.com/public/cat/13/9/13-9-195.shtml or at least that's the URL as of this posting.

WPA is only the start. Now Norton is doing it, with the antivirus software and partition magic is requiring it. I'm sure there are others so the problem now comes in contacting all the software makers explaining why you are activating the product again. I will avoid PA products as much as possible.

Thanks to Microcrap, now we're all treated like criminals. Here's my take on this BS.

First, I do not pirate, copy or give copies of my software to anyone. However, why do I have to buy individual copies of software for each machine I own in my home? Greed, that's why. Have you ever bought a book you could read only once? Did you ever buy a CD that only could be played in one stereo? Ever buy a hammer at the hardware store and get told that it was only good for remodling a kitchen. If you want to remodel your bathroom, you need to but another hammer. I will admit some of the analogies are a bit of a stretch, but you get the point. Why is it that Apple will allow you to install more than one copy of it's OS on machines you own? Again, the greed factor.

_Scott

I heartily agree that if I have a desktop at my office and one at home as well as a laptop for travel, and I am the only user on each of these machines, there is absolutely no valid reason that I should not be able to use a tool, {software} which I legally bought for my own use, on each of these machines. Your analogies are not that much of a stretch.

Just as you state, neither do I give copies of my software to friends or family, but no one should be able to limit me from using what I legally own on machines that I also legally own and exclusively use.

Taking a stand and vowing to never use MS products again is admirable, however, in the real world it is simply not practical. So we all find the best way to deal with the situation and move forward. However, I did recently have a "battle" with MS over this subject where I decided that they had stepped over the line.

I was in the process of building a new machine and transitioning from old to new. As I installed XP Pro on the new box, of course it asked for activation. The internet connection was made and the activation failed. As is the next step, I called MS and the rep proceeded to inform me that I was only allowed to have XP on a single machine.

I replied that a single machine was all I intended and I was in the process of moving from an old machine to a new one. The rep then told me that I had to uninstall XP from the old machine FIRST, then they would allow me to activate it on the new one, or else I would have to buy another license.

I let them know in no uncertain terms that I obtained this software legally and was using it legally, and that I was not going to uninstall until I had transferred all of my programs & data from the old machine to the new one. I was not going to back up everything to countless CDs or DVDs or even an external HDD just so that I could uninstall first.

Long story short, after about an hour and 3 supervisors, I was finally able to activate the new machine, make my transition and then delete the old machine.

However, it should never have gone that far. I am very happy with the value of MS products, but their tactics do simply go too far at times.

You can't reason with these people, and there's no reason to go through an hour on the phone. Just tell them it is only on one computer and they will give you the code. They will give it to you either way, it's not like you are winning anything when you finally get your way anyway. Believe me, I've done it both ways and it's much quicker just to tell them it's on one computer, whether that is currently true or will be true in an hour or so.

I don't know if they add it to an evil global database each time you activate it but it's not really my problem. If they ever want to fight about it over the phone I'm up for it.

I agree with you, they wanted to charge me an extra 184.00 for an extra activation. I hung up on them, I install the product on my second PC did not enter the PRODUCT and click change key and boom, was able to install successfully.

What do you mean changing is impractical? I've finally got sick and tired of the MS crap with WPA and their attitude ingeneral. It gave me the incentive to learn Linux and I've switched my personal system over with little pain. Tip: If you are being held back due to needing MS Office then take a look at Crossover Office from Codeweavers at http://www.codeweavers.com

I'm no genius, and the fact that I've managed to change to Linux prooves that most anyone can do it. The main problem is that it's so different that you have to actually learn something about it. And people don't want to take that time. But trust me, it's time well spent.

Good books on linux: Running Linux from Oreilly press, and A Practical Guide to Linux by Mark Sobel.

Brian

I went to the web site you listed. Almost NO Windows products can be run on Linux. Am I missing something?

Not trying to be a wiseguy here. It just seems to me that there are native apps for Linux that do the same or better than Windows ones. It looks like that MS did something intentionally to ensure that no MS product could work with Linux after Office 2000.

There are equivalent, generally better products available on Linux. Rather than using CrossoverOffice for MS Office, I'd recommend simply using OpenOffice.org, which is in my honest opinion a far better product (and the price is right, at $0).

As someone who is relatively new to computer technical work I'm going to run the risk of looking stupid. What do I do if I want to try switching to Linux but I am subscribed to an ISP long term contract and they don't have a Linux version availible? What do you do with all that other software sitting on the shelf? Throw it out? Or is there any way to run Windows software reliably or at all in Linux?

There are Windows emulation environments available on Linux. They won't run everything, but a fair number of Windows programs will run stably in some of those Windows emulation environments. Look up information on CrossoverOffice and Wine, for starters.

I disagree with your statement that it's simply not practical to avoid MS products entirely. I can't in my current line of work, but that's only because I support clients with MS products. If I were running a business that wasn't an IT consultancy, chances are very good that I could run the entire business on open source products, including a Linux OS for all computers. In fact, the computer I'm using to post this is running Debian GNU/Linux, and it's my primary workstation.

Of four computers currently at my desk (two servers and two workstations), one of them has Windows on it. The other three run Linux. I never use the Windows machine except when I have to for tasks involving Windows systems that my clients use.

It's not just possible to avoid MS products: it's easy. I find that it's considerably less stressful as well.

I would've just transferred the old HD over to the new machine as slave and told M$ I was upgrading and needed a new activation, with the old hard drive as 'hardware continuity' for the OS license.If they continued to quibble, I'd thank them for helping me move to Linux and sign off.

when I imaged my failing old hard drive (now totally defunct) onto a new hard drive and made the latter my boot drive. However, after the receiving the message about re-activation, it was a single-click business to send information and have my Windows and Office softwares activated. This was quite painless, compared to the troubles of reinstallation that I had to go through for many different programs including Adobe programs.

And.....when you purchase a Dell PC you no longer have access to the operating system. What happens if the PC dies and you want to install what you've already paid for (OS) on another PC?

My understanding is that the Windows XP you receive when you purchase a PC is usually an OEM version. The OEM license states that its for use only on the original PC you bought the OS with. You can upgrade the PC, but if you change the PC (whether it dies, becomes obsolete or whatever) you cannot transfer the license to the new PC. This goes for when you buy a Dell, HP, or even a noname or home made PC with an OEM version of Windows. Its just that Dell have customised their install CD so you can't install it on another PC.

If you buy the full retail version of Windows XP Pro, you can install it on any PC you like, but only one at a time.

So, its not Dells fault at all. In effect all they are doing is making it harder for you to break Microsofts licensing rules.

"The OEM license states that its for use only on the original PC you bought the OS with. You can upgrade the PC, but if you change the PC (whether it dies, becomes obsolete or whatever) you cannot transfer the license to the new PC."

It's worse than that. According to Micro$oft, (and I am a Micro$oft Partner and have spoken to them directly on this issue) you are NOT allowed to significantly upgrade or alter your machine. New hard drives or new motherboards require (according to Micro$oft) a new XP OEM license.

This has come up in the context of repairing machines with defective motherboards (I have a little computer shop). The replacement motherboard has to be the same part, from the same manufacturer, or WPA will fail, and the Phone Activation Service will cut you off without recourse. If you use the exact same part, Windows will require reauthorization on reboot, but will proceed automatically through it.

I'm looking at this right now. I have an eMachines computer in the shop and I cannot find the exact replacement motherboard, not even from eMachines at twice the price. I anticipate another long conversation with the Partner Rep to get them to reauthorize, including the lecture on why they're not required to do so.

This completely and utterly sucks. I am getting to the point where I cannot provide motherboard repairs to customers when the exact replacement part is unavailable.

All so Micro$oft can squeeze a few more shekels out of us peasant.

I am a system builder and have replaced numerous motherboards. I haven't had a problem. It's true
that you can not activate over the internet, but I have not had a problem activating by phone.

You can set off product activation by adding or changing a hard drive, but not always. I have even set it off by installing a new driver for the IDE controllers.

I explain that I have added new hardware or drivers and am always able to get reactivated once I agree that the operating system is only installed on a single PC.

Insane Keyfinder
This is the best product I have found

I have a Dell Laptop, D800.
I copied the CD Key from the license to a file in my private network folder in case I need to rebuild this machine (the sticker is on the bottom; hard to see in the dock).

I've tried Rock XP, Magic Jelly Bean, registry searches, etc. I skipped the install programs; it's useless to wait to install something that I won't use more than once on a machine.

Why are these programs so popular if I have a 100% failure rate on my machine?

I think the whole Microsoft setup is just a rip- off and I do like their products but eventually this silly way of doing business (i.e.;activate, reactivate) will be their undoing. There is no reason on this earth to support the idea that I can have three computers in my own home but a separate copy of XP on each machine. They are costly enough to buy one copy. I guess God help us if Bill should lose a $200 dollar sale to pirates---it is his own fault but I doubt he or the corporation will go hungry.......Could understand a little better if their business were even close to being in jeopardy......Oh well, it will catch up to them--Just look at how Firefox is closing the gap rapidly on IE. HA

Here is an issue for discussion:
The guy in my position before me was rather lax about keeping track of which disks belonged to wich computers, so now I have 100 XP disks (r1 through SP2) and 100 computers with the COA stickers. EVERY time I have re-installed, I have to call MS and go through their useless telephone activation process, have it fail, and explain the situation to the rep..
AAARRRGGGGGGG

If you use the Belarc Advisor on the machines it will let you know what liciences you have on the machines for the software and also the licience keys, including the XP Licience Key. this can be got from http://www.belarc.com/.

I have found this to be extremely useful in a similar situation.

Run Belarc Advisor on each machine to figure out exactly what is running on each machine. With this information, you can make a printout to start the historical records for each machine.

Where I work, there is an annual audit of all software that is on every computer. Having this printout is a good place to start this process. (Just as an aside, knowing that every computer will be checked every year keeps junk programs like AOL (the full version, not AIM), Kazaa, and unauthorized instant messagers off corporate computers because no one wants to get caught!)

Read the restrictions on the use of Belarc Advisor. It is specificly for home computers only and is NOT licensed for use on corporate computers.

The SELL a version for corporations.

I have tested Belarc with brand new systems that I personally built and have installed Windows XP on. It does not come back with the correct key.

However, I have found one that does. ProduKey from http://www.nirsoft.net is free. It works accurately. One caviat though. With brand name computers such as Dell, the key it returns does not necessarily match the one on the box. It does, however, return the correct key for any WinXP install that I have done, and I have done at least 200 different installs, OEM and RETAIL, so apparently Dell is using a single key, for which they have worked out a deal with Microsoft for proper validation.

What Dell does is:
Create an install with a single KEY that is preactivated. The Key is provided in the winnt.sif file in the sysprep directory so the end user is not even prompted for it.

The end user never sees a prompt to enter a CD Key. Nor does the user need to activate.

The Dell XP CD's have the following characteristics:
1. No CD Key is needed to install
2. They do a BIOS Check so that they can only be installed on a DELL Computer.
3. If you reinstall from the CD, you will need to activate. If you try, it will fail and prompt you to re-enter a valid Key. Simply enter the Key from the COA sticker and you can activate.

The implications are profound. This means that as long as you do not reinstall windows on your original Dell hardware, your OEM key will activate on any new motherboard you might install.

Sorry to say, but I tried a Dell reinstallation CD last night on a different make of computer and it installed!

Ok, you need to change the CD key to your own after installation, but again no problem.

CD used was Win XP Home with SP2 dated 2004.

Must admit I was suprised as I thought it wouldn't work, but then you never know until you try.

I have taken a Dell XPCD and installed it on another brand computer, not Dell and used the Dell Key. I bought a newer Gateway laptop (used, no operating system) and installed the Dell XP on it. Everything worked, during activation I used the Dell Product Key, no problem. The only way you can tell it is a Dell version is by some of the Dell branded folders that were installed. The only thing I have found about the Dell XPCD is if it is for a laptop it will only install on a laptop. If it is for a desktop it will only install on a desktop. So I don't doubt what your saying, I just haven't found that to be true for me.

I have clients thst have set up security for the wireless network, then forget what it is.

Anyway to revel what the key is so you can add it to another machine. They have several laptops and don't want to reset it on all of them. (some are with out of the area sales guys that know nothing about computers and need access at night when they return)

Use to be a program called revel keys or something like that, but can't find it any.

Thx

You only have to know which machines use Pro and which use Home, and the right key for the individual computer. Then use the latest (SP2) Home and Pro CD for each as appropriate. The CD key algorithm differs between Home and Pro, but not between service packs.

My copy of Win xp isn't genuie, so I need vaild product key and, or how to remove this genuie icon from my tesk-bar (khd350@gmail.com) Thanks 2-all

navigate to windows\system32 folder and locate
2 files beginning with 'wga'... one is a .dll the other is a .exe and simply delete them or re-
name the files to 'xga' or something. run ms config and uncheck the wga box if it's listed.
reboot the pc and don't visit windows update again!

I went to system32 and i couldn't find the files. If you could help me i would appreciate it.

Folks the Product Key and Product Id are two different things. The Product Id does not contain enough alpha's and characters required for the a Product Key (25 to be exact)

Sooo... to paraphrase- if I've lost my product key for win 2k Pro I might as well throw away my software because there is no way to activate it and only the key which came with my particular copy of win 2k is going to activate it... is this correct???
If so- does anyone know where to get the best deals on win 2k or win XP so my daughter can load I-Tunes for her Ipod?

Only if you have lost the key AND do not have the software installed on a computer are you out of luck. If it is installed, run Belarc Advisor to get the key. If it installed but non bootable use prodkey.
Win 2K does not need activation. If the windows 2k came with your computer look at the sticker on the side of the machine.
WIndows 2K pro sells for $110 - $150 for OEM versions. Win XP Pro is $165-175.