Office XP Product Key

LegacyUser

Hi,

I have my original installation disc for Office XP, but I don't have the product key.

Now before anyone starts jumping the gun, this is legitimately purchased software, but we've lost the packaging and CD case and only have the disc itself.

Is there any way/program that can identify the product key for the CD so we can install the software without any hassle?

This product also requires online activation, just to allay any fears that I'm using pirated software!

Cheers

bru

Karoma

Is the Installation still present on a HDD?
(i.e. Is it currently installed on a machine that you can boot into?)

LegacyUser

Karoma wrote:

Is the Installation still present on a HDD?
(i.e. Is it currently installed on a machine that you can boot into?)

No, I had to re-format the HD and re-install the OS.

Karoma

Then you have to contact MS for a new key.

(Key <-> CD are not bound. i.e. The CD is generic, the key is unique..)

Hobbes

The key should match your hardware though. So they could probably find out that way.

I wondered about the MS support to be honest. Brothers machine became invalid saying someone else had his key. He rang MS support and they gave him a new key without even asking any questions.

LegacyUser

Karoma wrote:

Then you have to contact MS for a new key.

(Key <-> CD are not bound. i.e. The CD is generic, the key is unique..)

Do I need proof or purchase etc, or will they just give me a key straight off?

Karoma

Dunno. Give it a call and find out.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=823570 <- useless:)

pickarooney

If you registered it the first time you installed it, you should be able to contact them to ask for a new key. They make ask for proof of purchase, but probably not, if you can prove you're the person/company who initially registered it.

Capt'n Midnight

bruachain wrote:

Now before anyone starts jumping the gun, this is legitimately purchased software, but we've lost the packaging and CD case and only have the disc itself.

Technically since you don't have the license any more...

Magic jellybean keyfinder - may pick it up on the PC it's installed on
it doesn't pick up Office 2000 Keys though

There is no serial number associated with a particluar CD, it's done by a secret formula so they can generate more numbers without having to change the CD. The serial depends on the type and release of CD.

Another option might be to buy a replacement CD, the licensing ones come with a serial number, but I'd doubt you'd be able to buy it with a volume agreement. If it's retail than you may be able to trace the purchase if done with a credit card.

smeggle

Take it you previously had this installed and activated. Depending on how you activated - i.e. if you actually registered your details - it could be tracked that way. If you opted for the private activation then as suggested maybe a credit card bill or proof of sale for a new key..

There is 'Software' that can 'Supposedly' do this but I wouldn't trust them myself. Theres also a way of 'Cheating' the system by backing up certain files (Theres two or three of them) that control the activation/then format the system/on first start up 'Before The System Loads' for the first time - i.e. first load after re-install/boot the computer into safe mode' Replace the activation key files with your original backups and reboot.

Haven't tried it myself but I've heard that it works but then again I've also heard negative views on it, stability issues/crash's and the like.

Go the easy route - find proof of sale - phone microsoft

Capt'n Midnight

For Windows the file wpa.dbl is the file - it can't be used on different HW thought. No idea what the file for office XP is.

Re: Office Xp and it's must-have new features, the only reason we use 2000 at work is that couldn't buy 97 licenses anymore . You might have downgrade rights with office XP, though I'd be fairly sure the retail edition doesn't. ( The OEM most certainly doesn't. ) Just mentioning because Office 2000 doesn't need activation.