Lost Activation in XP please Help=p

[fiveohhh]

I recently lost the activation nuber that came on my XP system. my friend helped me build it and accidently threw the sticker away. I got it activated and everything. Now I'm wondering how can I get the number off the machine?, My guess is its in there somewhere. I saw some things in the reg that looked like they could be it, but they all seem to be encoded.

Thanks for any help in advance

[mbigna]

I've copied this from another thread. I hope it helps you out... Do your best (go through the trash, if you have to) to find that software key--you may still need it for support.

What you are talking about is ACTIVATION. All this is does is take a snapshot of your hardware and produces a code. This code is sent with your software key (that is printed on your license) that you will enter upon installation. The hardware code and software key are sent to M$ (via internet or phone) and you are returned a hashed code that 'unlocks' the OS to work more than thirty days. [This is why you should play with your configuration for about a month before activating anyway, just in case you have hardware conflicts that require replacing/removing hardware and therefore changes your hardware key.] Once you have your hash code (automatically entered via internet, or you type it in if you phone in your activation), a file is created:
\Windows\system32 WPA.DBL
If you back up this file, you won't have to contact M$ again as long as you don't drastically change your hardware should you reformat and start from scratch. Just reinstall XP, copy the WPA.DBL file back to the correct directory and TA-DA, you are re-activated. If you didn't save the file, you will have to contact M$ to reactivate, but as long as your hardware didn't change drastically, M$ will automatically send you back a new hash. They will have a database where your license key and associated hardware key are stored. As long as nothing fishy is going on, you will not be given any hassle (or so they say).

Click here for a good article explaining WPA:
http://www.extremetech.com/article/...53D11079,00.asp
Click here to see a previous thread where this has been discussed in more detail:
http://forums.overclockers.ws/vb/sh...&threadid=43269

[minoukat]

You're talking about the CD-KEY code that lets you install the software right ? I know you can find that code in the registry, but I forgot in where in there !

[fiveohhh]

Aye, sorry about the wording there. I need the CD key, I'm pretty sure its tagged with the WPA, like mbigna said, but not sure if its encrypted or anything like that. Thanks for your responses

[proze]

well, i just searched through my registry for my cd-key, and couldn't find it anywhere. maybe it's not in there straight after all.

[martyt]

The key used to be in the Win 95/98/ME registry. I can't find it in WinXP. I haven't seen this as a hint anywhere either (pn any of the XP Tweak sites).

[fiveohhh]

well I found the wpa file, but it sure isn't a normal key, its coded(or whatever the tech jargon is for that=)) Is there anyway to figure out what it is? I think its just a bunch of symbols and what looks like Japanese scribblings. If any one has any ideas it'd be most appreciated.

[tcul72]

contact microsoft. if you have a LEGAL copy of the os, with a reciept they will be able to help you.

[Yodums]

Yea contact microsoft..

Doesn't Sisoft tell you the key?

[Softwebdev]

Originally posted by fiveohhh
I recently lost the activation nuber that came on my XP system. my friend helped me build it and accidently threw the sticker away. I got it activated and everything. Now I'm wondering how can I get the number off the machine?, My guess is its in there somewhere. I saw some things in the reg that looked like they could be it, but they all seem to be encoded.

Thanks for any help in advance

oh boy, you are in big troubles. You lost the CD-key heh ? don't worry. I GOT THE SOLUTION FOR YOU.

you still have winxp cd cover which has CD set number on it ?

if you have it, GOOD. Here what you have to do to get the CD key from MS ok?


give MS a call and tell them that your CD setup is CORRUPTED because your computer says MISSING FILEs during setup.

You would like them to send you another. When they do that, you will have new cd key and a new XP setup DISK.

DO THAT. good luck. I don't tell you how to lie. I just help you solve the problem :)

[Yodums]

Softwebdev... Thats kinda stupid..

I mean what is there to run from?

You just lost it... You can get it back if you have the CD number.

[Softwebdev]

Originally posted by Yodums
Softwebdev... Thats kinda stupid..

I mean what is there to run from?

You just lost it... You can get it back if you have the CD number.

how you do that ?

when you enter the CD key, windows will convert it to number.

there is nothing to run from really............you lost CD key........you can't install without it............and MS will not give you new CD key number over the phone unless your CD is damaging...........that's all.

all i'm saying is..........you lost CD key.............call MS.........tell them to send you a new CD with cd key on it..................what is the best reason to say ? when the only choice you have is SETUP CD is damaging ?

why don't you call MS and tell them you lost CD KEY and hope they will give you a new CD KEY....? of course, let us know too :)

[Yodums]

Well if he has a barcode number or something then he'll be able to do that.. other than that it won't happen.. ITs like me foning in without a copy of Win XP and getting it from a false lie