This was sent to me buy a friend.Need a master cd key. We have a windows XP version but no cd key for it cuz the person couldn't find it. SO we need a master cd key.Is there a way for them to get one free?

What you are asking for is illegal. This post should be removed. There is no such thing as a Master Key anyway.

If the CD you have is an original retail CD then contact Microsoft and explain your problem.

well sorry it is a computer she bought second hand.She did not get a cd to go with it?she uses the computer with no problems.So now what should she do?since this was an illegal ?
I find this site should learn that not everyone is fully educated on all to be had with computers .Thats why they have sites like this.

In that case head to Staples to BUY your own XP if you can find it as M$ has pulled the plug last June 30th on all retail sales of Windows XP. Problem solved.

i_Xp/VistaUser

Thank you XpUser
I have just finished talking to her on the phone.She asks does this mean when you state pulling the plug that she will have to go vista?
Thanks again

Firstly, here are the rules for this site:

http://www.computing.net/forums/rul...

babyblue, XPUser didn't say that. He said to go to Staples and buy your own version of XP.

If your friend is using the computer with no problems, then why do you need the install key?

Life's more painless for the brainless.

mmm... regardless of why a need now (or in the future for a "CD Key"...) it might be wise to go buy a new disk anyway... That way one will have it should the need arise in the future...

neweg.com also has them for decent price (but they are XP-Pro OEM version, and Home version too - also OEM); and possibly other USA sources have both OEM and non OEM as well?

Staples etc. may have the standard/retail versions rather than OEM; and these may be preferable for a novice; although one will pay more for these than for an OEM...?

Your story seems to have changed since your original post.

If the computer is an OEM computer that had WinXP pre-installed you MAY be able to buy disks from the manufacturer.

I would like to say a few things here. One, yes there is a master key! (ask microsoft) Two, their are several ways to retrieve your key installed with your copy of Windows XP(I will not help you do that).One is in the registry and the other using software. But to me, it sounds like you are trying install someone else's copy onto that computer, which is illegal. If you were trying to find the key that came with the computer...it should be on the sticker on the side of the pc. If it isn't then it was illegally installed or bought retail. If bought retail then the owner has the right to reinstall on their new computer and your stuck. You need to buy your own copy of Windows XP. No one here will help you installed stolen software.

She does NOT want anything to do with stolen software geez.
Anyways she called staples and they are going to fix her up.

Quoted HM_TEAM2003: One, yes there is a master key! (ask microsoft)

If I ask M$ I doubt very much they will publicly state for the record that they do in fact provide the FBI, CIA & other law enforcement agencies with Windows Backdoor Master Keys.

i_Xp/VistaUser

Without getting into details about OEM, Retail, Pro, Home, Corporate. There is no one key available to the public that will install all those version, to my knowledge.

Had the OP phrased the issue differently I would have suggested Magical Jelly Bean key finder to retrieve the installation key.

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

I agree with magicjellybean to get the current key. Other key finders are there if you have a working legit copy if xp installed and you have some way to re-install it from media.

Many OEM installs do not need the key, or the key is a virtual key of sorts (only a number assigned to the OEM).

"Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, are in my top 10

Pop the XP CD in a working computer, then explore the CD looking for a file called "unattended.txt". It's in the i386 folder(you may have to set the folder options to "show all hidden files & folders"). The key you seek is in that file...getting it activated is another story.

Connect it to the internet, go to Windows Update. If it passes WGA, it's probably a legal installation. In that case, use Magic Jelly Bean to find the key.

Please let us know if you found someone's advice to be helpful.

Good luck!

Jabbering Idiots: Everywhere You Look!

XPUSER, how does a master key have anything to do with a backdoor. I wasn't aware that a key could gain access in anyway. It activates your software .... genius!