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My Acer Aspire 3055 WXMI keep asking for 25-character product key number. I cannot find it anywhere. It’s not on a menu. Can you help please?

Locating the Windows Product Key Label

Since you have a laptop, finding the product key may be as simple as flipping the computer over and locating the Windows sticker on the laptop’s bottom. Look for a Windows “Proof of License” or “Certificate of Authenticity” label on the bottom of the laptop. If you had a desktop computer, you would look for this label on the computer case. The Windows proof of purchase label will have a bar code as well as the 25-digit product key for your copy of Windows. Unfortunately with laptops, this label does get worn as it rubs against various surfaces such as laps. If you can’t read the print, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Did you save all the original discs and documentation that came with your computer? The original Windows installation disc should also have this information affixed to it. In fact, your Windows installation disc may be sealed in a package with a license clearly visible. Likewise, if you purchased Windows on a disc and installed it on your computer, then the label will be on the CD case.

Locating the Windows Product Key from within Windows

Since Windows is prompting you to activate it or to enter the product key, this next method may not work. However, it’s worth a try. If you have Windows Vista, go to the Control Panel and click on the System icon. Scroll down to the bottom where you will see the Windows product key. Write this number down, especially if you ever need to reinstall Windows and the proof of license label is worn off. If the product key in this screen contains the letters “OEM,” it is a generic product key installed by the manufacturer. In this case, the generic product key cannot be used upon a reinstall of Windows.

Using Software to Retrieve your Windows Product Key

Magic Jelly Bean’s Keyfinder software is an open source product that will find the product key from within Windows (all versions from Windows 95 through Vista) as well as for any of your Microsoft Office products. Again, if Windows was installed at the factory, a generic product key may be retrieved which won’t necessarily help with a reinstall.

I purchased Privacy Controls software on 4-27-2009. I cannot register my license number to use this product. Please help.

Privacy Controls Software

Paretologic’s Privacy Controls software is a program that helps safeguard your confidential information from prying eyes. It has Web history elimination and file shredding features that further secure your privacy. Privacy Controls comes in a full-featured version as well as a limited-feature trial version. Most people download the trial version to make sure it meets their needs. When you upgrade to the full-featured version, you receive a license key from Paretologic. This license key will unlock the software and give you full access to all of its features.

Obtaining a Lost License Key

It sounds as if you already have the license key, but are having trouble entering it. However, in case you haven’t, you can use the License Key Lookup feature to have your Privacy Controls license key information emailed to you. You will need either your Order ID or the e-mail address originally used to place the order.

Entering the License Key

Once you have the license key, you must enter it into the Privacy Controls software in order to unlock the product. To do this, click on the About link. You’ll see a “registration area.” Either type the license key in the box or copy and paste it. Copying and pasting is preferred because errors such as enter the letter ‘o’ instead of the number ‘0′ are eliminated. In fact, according to ParetoLogic, Privacy Controls’ license keys to not contain the letter ‘o’ at all. If you see what looks like an ‘o’ in your license key, press the number ‘0′ instead. Click the OK button and your product should be fully functional.

ParetoLogic Support

If for some reason, your product will not accept the code and you’ve tried copying and pasting, you may need to contact the software developer personally for assistance. You can contact ParetoLogic Technical Support on via their Tech Support webpage.