windows serail number, how to get it from unbootable PC

[Arm_Pit3]

I know you can find out your serail number for windows in windows, but is there a way to find out the serail number on a PC for a PC that wont boot? I want to reinsatll windows on a friends PC with my XP disk, but he no longer has his CD and deoesn't know the CD.

If there a way to do this? And it should be legal and all right? since it would be his cd key. IT wont boot in safemode either, it doesn't even get to that step. anyway i can get the key though a boot fo linux or something?

 

[ramdge]

I would be very careful about what you are doing because of
the different versions of windows XP. Your cd might not be
the same as his cd. For instance, was his cd standar xp or
xp with service pack 1, or xp with service pack 2. Also was
his an OEM cd or a retail cd. There is a good chance that
if you use your cd that you won't be able to use is CD key
even if you find it.

I don't know of an easy way to find the XP key without
getting into windows. It was easy with 98, xp is completely
different.

I'm assuming his computer was a custom built computer
otherwise the XP CD Key would be on a sticker on the
computer somewhere.

 

[asdfguy]

I've reformatted my pc so many times that every time xp registers itself, microsoft won't allow me to use that serial number anymore 'case they think that it has been passed around to everyone and thier mother. Every time i reformat and re-install XP i have to cal microsoft and they give me a new one, however, I can't remeber if i have to give my old one as verifacation that I actually have a copy - but then again, if it was a bogus copy, what would be the point in verifying that I have one in the first place? Anyway's my point is - call microsoft