Retreiving a Product key from a genuine windows disk

Bramsafc · 15 Feb 2009 at 16:57

I am doing a fresh install of xp pro on my father in laws computer using his retail bought disk but now i have formatted the drive and started the install there is no product key sticker anywhere on the disk case or on the computer,

is there a way to get the key off the disk itself by putting the disk into my system and searching for it.....Cheers for any replies

asim18 · 15 Feb 2009 at 17:01

No, the serial numbers are not stored on the CD.

If you hadn't already formatted, you would have been able to extract the serial number from the registry.

Bramsafc · 15 Feb 2009 at 17:05

Ah the system was basically knackered it wouldnt even boot into windows so the only thing i could think of was to format it,looks like ill have to get in touch with microsoft then and get a new one off them

asim18 · 15 Feb 2009 at 17:09

Bramsafc said:
...using his retail bought disk...

Was there ever a serial with the disc? or have you lost it somewhere?

I thought all retail copies come with a COA sticker?

You could try calling up MS, they will no doubt ask for proof of purchase.

Burnsy2023 · 15 Feb 2009 at 17:15

asim18 said:
Was there ever a serial with the disc? or have you lost it somewhere?

I thought all retail copies come with a COA sticker?

You could try calling up MS, they will no doubt ask for proof of purchase.

Indeed, without the COA MS may not be very useful

Bramsafc · 15 Feb 2009 at 17:19

There is COA on the back of the disk box but it is not the one with the product key on.....Ill just get him to get in touch with them i dont really have the time to be messing about as i work away

Burnsy2023 · 15 Feb 2009 at 17:39

All COAs have cd keys :confused:

Brian Stuart · 15 Feb 2009 at 20:39

With the retail copies does the serial key not come printed inside the folder that the disk comes in?