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#1
10th Jan 2009, 05:49
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Hi,
I have had a HDD failure and am trying to re-install XP on to the new drive. When I put my system together originally I bought XP with new drives motherboard etc, and installed it all myself. At that time I must have had the serial number for XP, but I cannot find it anywhere. The copy I have is the XP Pro "For distribution with a new PC" where the serial number should be it just says the label has been removed by the PC manufacturer and should be attached to the PC  I must have had the info but it was not on the case nor on the invoice for XP. My question, is it possible to discover the serial number on the installation CD? Hope someone can help. |
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#2
10th Jan 2009, 06:17
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Hi there baxlobs
The system builder should have placed the COA which holds the 25 digit product key to your computer case, usually either on the side of the case, or attached to the back of your computer. It will look like the image below  Quote:
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#3
10th Jan 2009, 07:07
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Hi,
Thanks for reply, I did not make it clear, but I bought all the bits and XP Pro from overclock.co.uk - sadly now defunct - I built it myself, so I am "the system builder". After assembling it I then installed XP from scratch myself, so as I said must have had the serial originally. If there is no link between the CD and the serial, how does the CD know that you have entered the wrong serial? |
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#4
10th Jan 2009, 07:20
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Quote:
The CD doesnt, but the operaring system will check whether or not the code you entered is genuine... When you originally entered the code it is then authenticated at microsoft and it is then tied into your motherboard (for OEM editions) which will prevent the code being used on another system.
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Proud member of ASAP & UNITE |
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#5
10th Jan 2009, 07:28
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So, if I cannot find the sticker that must have come with XP originally I am faced with having to buy XP again?
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#6
10th Jan 2009, 07:33
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In a nutshell yes. You can also ring Microsoft to see if there is anyway in which they can help first.
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Proud member of ASAP & UNITE |
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#7
10th Jan 2009, 07:39
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Thanks for replies, I have found the sticker, hurray
 Will now try again. |
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#8
10th Jan 2009, 07:45
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Dont tell me.. it was on the inside of the case all along lol... !
Seriously, you need to keep it a little safer, stick it on the side, or the back of your unit. Glad that you found it, hope all goes well for the new installation
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