Q: I ordered a copy of XP directly from Microsoft late last year – in October I think there is any chance they still have records? I trodged around their site, but Im either not finding the right words or just generally clueless.
How get replacement media and my key back?
Best Answer: If this is an OEM disc then there are three potential problems you may face installing it over ME on a non-OEM branded PC with no product key.
1. Without a product key it will not let you complete the installation.
2. Since this is an OEM and not an "upgrade" version, you will need to format and clean install it from scratch since a full version OEM will not install over an existing OS (unless you plan to run it as a dual boot… not recommended).
3. If this is an OEM Windows XP version from Gateway, Dell, or other major PC manufacturer, then many do not have product keys since they are OEM licensed to only work with their set of hardware. If you have one of these versions, then even when you install it, you will not be able to activate it unless it is installed on the respective manufacturer's PC that is keyed with the OS version installed.
On the other hand, if this is a standard OEM (the kind you can buy individually and not bundled with a Dell, Gateway, etc) then you only have to worry about problems #1 and #2.
If this is a legitimate OEM version, then the CD should either have a sticker with product key on the package or a Microsoft COA booklet with the sticker attached to it.
You can try calling Microsoft, but Microsoft generally isn't very supportive when it comes to replacing lost product keys especially if you bought the software from a 3rd or 4th hand source. Chances are you'll probably have to buy a new copy.
Re:I don't really need to change it – I own the key that's there legally. Without the disk or packaging, however, I'll need to retrieve it to reinstall.
I assume it's the mobo/processor change that's prompting the re-validate nag, but it seems a little sluggish anyway, so I'll likely reinstall.
The key is the serial number for the software. I believe the Genuine Authentication Certificate Whatever is only generated after the serial is validated online.
edit: thanks for the links, guys 
Re:guy,
You can use a freeware utility such as Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.5 (http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml)
or WinKeyFinder (http://www.winkeyfinder.com/)
to discover, or to change, the key in your already-installed Windows XP.
However, if you decide to change your key, then I don't understand whether you can simply go online to MS and re-activate using a changed key, or not.
I also don't understand the relationship between the key and a Certificate of Authentication.
If anybody cares to explain it would be appreciated.
Re:Technically since you are no longer in possession of the physical license you are supposed to uninstall Windows, ugh.
Im 99% sure that there is a utility you can use to find out your license key, try googling it. here is one possiblity http://www.petri.co.il/quickly_retrieve_windows_cd_key.htm
Re:I lost the whole package – though it's still installed on my machine. I just upgraded and now it's wanting to be validated again, and I thought I'd reinstall.
Thinking on it, I assume there's a way to pull my key from my existing install? Dumb question, perhaps, but is it somewhere to be found?
Re:You lost your disk AND your key? Sorry to say, but you're probably SOL.
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