Lost XP disk

>However it sounds like Windows XP is OEM.

>If that is the case, Googlegear is your only source of

You are correct, this was OEM. I did get the response
below from another newsgroup and am trying to see if GG
can use the product code obrtained using this procedure.

-Mike Reily

______________Below______________
Greetings --

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to
perform the
installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a bright
orange sticker
that says "Do not lose this number." If it was an OEM
(factory
installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC
manufacturer
affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom
of a laptop.

To recover a lost Product Key:

If your system still runs, you should be able to use
AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php or
ViewKeyXP from
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm to find the
Product Key.
(If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't
since
reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably
of the drive
image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product
Key;
therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely should
not be --
used for a re-installation.)

If it was a retail license and you have proof of
purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software
or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-
us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact whomever
sold you the
OS; although very few manufacturers/vendors keep records
of the
Product Keys they've sold, it's worth a try before you
have to buy a
new license.


Bruce Chambers