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Windows XP question (product key)

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by RedLeaf, 2005/04/21.

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  1. 2005/04/21
    RedLeaf

    RedLeaf Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hi,
    I'm currently running Windows XP Pro and need to reformat. I have the CD, however I don't have the registration/product keys handy. Is there a way I can get this from my computer right now, before I reformat?
     
    RedLeaf,
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  2. 2005/04/21
    surferdude2

    surferdude2 Inactive

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    From what I hear, Magic Jelly Bean can be used for that purpose.

    Also, Everest does that and gives many other useful details about your system.

    Both are free.
     
    Last edited: 2005/04/21
    surferdude2,
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  4. 2005/04/21
    Welshjim

    Welshjim Inactive

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    RedLeaf--I (and maybe others) will be interested to learn what you learn from surferdude2's suggestions.
    If your version of WinXP was installed at the factory, I suspect you will get the OEM product key, which is not the one your installed operating system, on the PC, uses.
     
    Welshjim,
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  5. 2005/04/22
    iclarius

    iclarius Inactive

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    Welshjim,

    It works.

    George
     
    iclarius,
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  6. 2005/04/22
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    There is only 1 product key on any xp installation.
     
    TonyT,
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  7. 2005/04/22
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    Sure, but for example my Dell laptop comes pre-installed with XP. This is done at Dell with an image (I asume), and thus xxx numbers of the same laptop (model) will have the same product key 'recorded' in the registry.

    When I tried to validate for MS Windows Genuine Advantage it wouldn't let me. I had to give them the product key as on the lisence key sticker that's on the bottom of the laptop...
     
    Arie,
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  8. 2005/04/22
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Arie,
    yes, I forgot about that, thanks.

    Because I've had so many boxed copies of xp (via ms store), and have wiped the oem partitions and created my own partitions and then used boxed copies of xp. To get a clean system just the way I want it, this way is easier than trying to modify the image on restore cds or restore partitions. Then I just use ghost to make a bootable cds or bootable dvd.
     
    TonyT,
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  9. 2005/04/22
    surferdude2

    surferdude2 Inactive

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    I tried it long ago on my pre-loaded HP and the OEM Product Code retrieved via Jelly Bean wouldn't work for me. I think we can assume that any OEM pre-loaded machine will give the same results.

    If you bought the machine preloaded, there will be a sticker with the authentic Product Code on it. That code will be completely different from the OEM production line image code retrieved prior to the reinstall. After you re-install, (and you inserting the sticker code) the code retrieved will be your valid one.

    If your machine is a custom build and the OS loaded from a full retail CD that you were given, the code retrieved should be an authentic fully functional one. If not, you got scammed.
     
    surferdude2,
    #8
  10. 2005/04/22
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Before I built my own machine. I had a computer with win XP home pre-installed on it. I used the magic jelly bean retrieval tool when the computer was brand new and the retrieval tool worked for me, also gave me the correct product code that was posted on the computer case.
     
    lj50,
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  11. 2005/04/25
    RedLeaf

    RedLeaf Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks for the advice Surferdude.
    I used the Jelly Bean program and it sort of worked. It got me the Windows key and the Office key.

    The windows key worked, although I don't think it was the one I used in the first place, but again, it DID work.

    The Office key didn't work at all. I subsequently found my office key and it did not even come close.

    Regardless, I'm just happy the Windows key worked.

    I appreciate the help, and sorry it took me so long to reply.
     
    RedLeaf,
    #10
  12. 2005/04/25
    surferdude2

    surferdude2 Inactive

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    No sweat RedLeaf. Thanks for the feedback so others can share. I have often heard mixed reviews about the Magic Jelly Bean tool. It seems to work for the MS Office on my drive but the OEM XP Home data is not usable for installing. I tested it before and got refused. I then tested the one listed on the computer tag and it worked but I didn't let it complete the install. I restored an image and did no further testing on the subject. I suppose if I had let it install using the tag value, I could now use Magic Jelly Bean and get that same valid data. Not actually verified though.

    All the best.
     
    surferdude2,
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