How do I recover my Windows XP key

What is the best method (software) to recover a Windows XP (sp3) key.

The notebook came pre loaded and I dont have a CD

thanks
jjf

 

did you check the bottom of you notebook? it's usually printed down there on a sticker

 

Doubt having the key will do you any good. It likely won't work with an retail copy, and probably not necessary if reinstalled with your OEM copy.

If you need to reinstall and don't have recovery disks, suggest checking with the maker for a set of the disks.

 

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/...-ntuserdat-in-corrupted-or-unbootable-system/

 

Easier.

Try this
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

Shows keys for all office and XP and Vista.

Don't need to install anything, just run.

There are many other freeware utils out there like this.

 

If it is from a major vendor it is an OEM SLP key that does you no good.

Does the notebook have a recovery partition? If yes, have you backed up the recovery partition to CDs/DVDs?

 

Try the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder.

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

 

Push ÿ-PauseBreak ?

 

sorry. that should be [windows key]+Pausebreak.