Where can i find a activation/product key for windows XP home edition?

Question

i've installed a copy of windows xp home edition that i borrowed from a friend, because my computer decided to format it self thus wiping everything off including my OS. the installation went alright, i entered the product key from my hardrive but now its asking for a product key to activate windows ive tried my key again, but no luck. Any ideas or solutions much appreicated... especialy since it says ive only got 26 days left! lol. thanks! =]

Answer 1

Talk to Microsoft. They're very helpful if you have a genuine case. If you can convince them that the computer came with windows preloaded then they'll help.

Answer 2

If you can produce your receipts which confirm your purchase with an XP home OS microsoft may supply you with a new activation key - otherwise microsoft will want to sell you a nice legal copy of windows XP with an activation key.



The activation key is tied to the install disk. You cannot use your own activation key on someone elses install disk.



You don't say what happened to your original install disk why not use that? if you never had a disk then your original supplier should give you the option for purchasing a restore disk or an install disk

Answer 3

windows xp home edition product key

Answer 4

If the Product Key on the side of your computer doesn't work, i suggest you select to activate it via phone, ring MS up and explain the situation, i'm sure they'd accept the key off your computer (that is as long as it is indeed for XP Home).

Answer 5

To My knowledge, Microsoft only allows one activation per Operating System per computer in your home.



If you buy a new windows operating System, I Understand that I would only be able to install it in one computer that I own.

Even though I might own a Desktop as well as a laptop.



Kind Regards

Answer 6

hi mate

you can get the product key from the disk you used,or from a program called "si-soft sandra" avalible from http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/index.html?dir=&location=downandbuy&langx=en&a=

once you have downloaded this run the program and select the software section,look in windows sub-section and you will find the product key

to find it on the windows disk insert the disk into the dvd/cd drive and right click the windows disk icon and select explore

then click on the i386 folder and then look for a file called "unattended",then open this with notebook and you will find that specific disks product key

any problems let me know

good luck mate !

Answer 7

if the installation went alright .... and you've changed the "key" to the one on the sticker on your computer ... you should just be able to connect to the internet and activate online ... if it says it can't be activated ... do the "by phone" activation and explain your circumstances

Answer 8

on the box



on ebay



on the internet (if you don't ever want to install patches)