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    Product Key Help!!

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by gadawg31, Jan 19, 2009.

  1. gadawg31

    gadawg31 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am in direstraits and need some help with my desktop computer. Long story short, it crashed yesterday and I had to buy a new hard drive and reinstall windows. Here is where the fun began. I was trying to re-install windows XP but when it asked for my product key, I realized all I had was the first 18 digits. Apparently, since I have not had to use it it got wet during Katrina and a lot of my software was blurred, smugged and some unreadable. I was able to pull the first 18 digits and nothing else: 55274-64002-75437-238...... I tried using the key from my laptop and it states it is invalid. Is there anyway to get this, I need it really bad to get my desktop up and running. I don't know if Microsoft will give me anything, since I don't have any receipts and it has been about 4yrs since it was purchased. I know this has to sound fishy, with all the hackers in the world, but I truly am sincere about this. Anything will be greatly appreciated?

    v/r
    gadawg31
     
    gadawg31, Jan 19, 2009
    #1
  2. AuroraAlpha

    AuroraAlpha Notebook Consultant

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    The only advice I can give you is to call Microsoft.

    Sorry I can't be more helpful.
     
    AuroraAlpha, Jan 19, 2009
    #2
  3. Full-English

    Full-English Notebook Deity

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    If you have the xp disk, give microsoft a call, and they may be able to help you.

    I had this issue once, reinstalled vista but lost the product key, phoned them, gave them the part number of the disk and they gave me a new key.

    If you don't have the disk, i doubt they will help you.
     
    Full-English, Jan 19, 2009
    #3
  4. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    I think this linky to Microsoft has been suggested in the past:

    http://support.microsoft.com/KB/326246

    Has information on different types of replacements, such as Product Key's and OEM installation media. Maybe it will be helpful.

    Cin ;) :)
     
    Cin', Jan 19, 2009
    #4
  5. TravisBean

    TravisBean Notebook Evangelist

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    Please follow the below given steps to locate the WIndows XP product key in Windows Registry:

    1. Go to the Start button and select Run
    2. After you have selected run from the start menu, a Run window will pop up. Enter "regedit" (without the quotes) and click the OK button to open the registry editor.
    3. Locate and double click the following key in the registry folder:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/MICROSOFT/WindowsNT/CurrentVersion

    4. On the right side of pan look for "Productkey".
    5. You will find the product key right there. ( I don't know if this will work if XP is not already installed prior to trying this, but its worth a shot.)
     
    TravisBean, Jan 19, 2009
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