Want to reformat but XP has no cd-key...

Xeno

Yeah, I had a PC custom built for me and I would like to reformat. However, the XP package has no cd key. It's Microsoft XP Home Edition and on the side it says "For distribution with a new PC". The hell does that mean?
Then at the top it says "This OEM software may not be delivered unless accompanied by the required hardware under the Microsoft OEM system builder blah blah blah"

So yeah, can I reformat and use this cd or not?I don't see a cdkey anywhere.

Daedalus

It should be on a label stuck to your PC's case.

If it isn't, then the shop that built your PC is run by crooks.

WuckFarcraft

This has happened to me before. The key was actually on a sticker on my computer.

However, I did not see it and called Microsoft and they had me read out the front side of the CD. After that, which I guess proved I had purchased it, they gave me another.

supabeast

There are a lot of apps out there that will read the encrypted key back to you from the registry. Google will reveal them.

Yarr

haven't tried it myself, but maybe this will work.

stigweard

If you don't see the product key sticker on the outside of the case, where it should be, it might be stuck on the inside panel. I've seen a few machines that do that. They aren't supposed to, but it was what some places were doing to prevent the keys from being stolen.

Supabeast is right though, there is a freeware utility that will show your product key with a click of the mouse. I"m not sure of its legality with regards to the forum, so I won't post the link.

blincoln

It's your software, so I don't see the harm in revealing the product key that was used to activate it. The one I've used is called something like Magical Jellybean Keyfinder.

EliteLamer

Magic Bean CD key reveler will tell you your cd-key and it is free.

EliteLamer

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/keyfinder.html