Blocked validation key

I am the third or fourth owner of a computer with Windows XP Professional.
I didn't have any problems until I tried to clear up some space on my hard drive. I think that while getting rid of all the stuff from previous owners I deleted something important.

Up until about a month ago things were fine, then I started getting messages saying there was a validation problem. In the process of trying to fix it the message came back that my Product Valadition Key was blocked.
This is a 25 character number, not the 20 digit one in the registry. I can't seem to find it anywhere.

I tried the Microsoft website, but always ended up with them telling me to buy a new one. I really don't have that kind of money and would rather try to fix my mistake.

I tried to do a system restore, but can't get back to before I started having trouble. It happened at the beginning of the month and neither the restore points list or the calender will go back to the previous month.

Does anyone have any ideas? Restoring back to before I messed up would be the way to go. I think.

 

Need Info.What 's the name of your PC/ Laptop?

 

Hi You can find you Validation Key by going online to www.magicjellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
then follow their instructions.
Cheers Des.

 

Thanks. I'll give it a try.

 

I tried the magicaljelybean site, buy got a screen that said I was forbidden access to the site.

But I have a friend who found their Windows XP program. It's all there, disk, numbers and all. Can I just install that over mine or do I have to do amything first?

I said I was a beginner didn't I?

 

Hi murff48, have you tried downloading Belarc Advisor? Google and download and Belarc will show all the software and programs installed and the key numbers etc. Neil.
Sorry I may have misread re Validation key. Product keys are read by Belarc. Neil.