How to Find a Windows XP Product Key

The Windows XP Product Key is necessary if the user wants to install or reinstall Microsoft Windows XP onto his/her computer. This key is a security tool designed to stop counterfeiting and software piracy. The Windows XP Product Key is necessary for installation and reinstallation, so the user must have the Product Key available for use.

If the user purchased his/her computer from an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) such as Dell or Sony, a Windows XP Product Key should be easily found on a sticker on the computer, Windows XP documentation, or both. If Windows XP was purchased from a software dealer, the product key should be with the software’s documentation.

Retrieving a Windows XP Product Key

If the user no longer has any documentation and/or if his/her computer does not have a Windows XP Product Key sticker, pull the Product Key from the registry. While previous Windows versions made the operating systems’ Product Key easy to find, the Product Key is encrypted with Windows XP.

Here are some tips on how to pull the Windows XP Product Key from the registry and decrypt it so it can be read and documented.

Since the Product Key is encrypted, decrypt the key. This can be done easily and for free with many software applications. Two software titles that can be used are Keyfinder and Find XP Key.

Once the desired software is found, just download it and follow the instructions.

It should be noted that the XP Product Key consists of 25 characters. These 25 characters are separated in 5 groups (e.g. xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxx). Characters can consist of numbers or letters.

Once the XP Product Key is found, make sure to correctly write it down – any mistake while inputting the Product Key when reinstalling will prevent Microsoft Windows XP installation.