If I installed a Windows XP CD on my computer and I forget the product key, how do I go about fixing this problem?
Unfortunately, this is one of those types of problems that many people get to experience. It is one of the strategies that Microsoft uses to try and keep people from pirating a copy of the software. Unfortunately, it prevents people from activating Windows if they need to reinstall it. You have a few viable options for trying to retrieve the 25-character Windows Product Key code that you need. I’ll explain them below and you can try whichever method you want.
Obtaining the Windows Product Key from Microsoft
For those individuals who have retained their proof of ownership for the version of Microsoft Windows that they need the code for, contacting Microsoft is the obvious step. This company offers a replacement CD for those who can offer this proof of ownership. To contact the Supplemental Parts team at Microsoft, call 1-800-306-7561 in the United States and 1-800-933- in Canada on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 5:00 am and 7:00 pm Pacific Time. The customer service representative will inform you of the cost to replace the Windows CD including shipping and handling fees.
Obtaining the Windows Product Key Using Software
A few software applications are available for you to locate your Windows activation code. I haven’t tried them, so I can only suggest them and not vouch for them. They include:
Obtaining the Windows Product Key from the Manufacturer of the Computer
If the Windows operating system that you were using had Windows XP installed on it and you received a back up CD with the 25-character windows activation code and you lost it, you can contact the manufacturer of the computer. Of course, you’ll need some type of documentation to prove that you purchased the computer. In some cases, the manufacturer might also have that information if you can provide him with dates and other pertinent details. Microsoft has provided a handy list of contact information for most of the major manufacturers located at Phone Information.
Alternative Methods for Obtaining the Windows Product Key
Although these tips won’t help you with your current problem since you installed Windows XP with a CD, they might be helpful to someone else reading this.
- If the computer came with the OS already installed, you can check on the outside of the tower for a small sticker with the 25-character code on it.
- The product key for Windows 95, 98, and NT 4.0 can be located in the registry using the “regedit” utility.
