How can I retrieve my Windows product key?

My computer stopped booting into Windows, which I admit is largely my fault
since I don't take good care of my OS (can't remember the last time I scanned
for adware or viruses). Anyway, it wouldn't boot, so I went ahead and put in
my legally obtained copy of Windows XP Pro w/ SP2 and began to reinstall. It
was at this point that I realized I had lost my certificate of authenticity.
Since I've activated Windows in the past, is there any chance I could call
Microsoft and have them look it up for me? I tried once already, but I
couldn't make the Indian woman understand. So is it possible? Keep in mind
that I can't get into Windows, so I can't look it up in my registry or
anything like that.

How to replace lost, broken, or missing Microsoft software or hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[ln];326246

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

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"Rupert" wrote:

| My computer stopped booting into Windows, which I admit is largely my fault
| since I don't take good care of my OS (can't remember the last time I scanned
| for adware or viruses). Anyway, it wouldn't boot, so I went ahead and put in
| my legally obtained copy of Windows XP Pro w/ SP2 and began to reinstall. It
| was at this point that I realized I had lost my certificate of authenticity.
| Since I've activated Windows in the past, is there any chance I could call
| Microsoft and have them look it up for me? I tried once already, but I
| couldn't make the Indian woman understand. So is it possible? Keep in mind
| that I can't get into Windows, so I can't look it up in my registry or
| anything like that.