computer crash

[margaret]

Last week my dell computer crashed and everything was gone
including windows xp. I called Dell and they helped me
reinstall windows xp and most of the software, but I
cannot access microsoft word or works because it is asking
for my product key number and I don't have it anymore.
Unfortunately it is gone with all of the boxes since I
store all of my disks in a holder and i NEVER thought
something like this could happen to me. How do I get my
product registration key from Microsoft? I have been all
over their site for info on how to contact them and
nothing helps!!!

thanks
margaret deadmon

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

The Office CD I got with my Dell computer came in a cardboard case with a
very large notice:

Do Not Lose This CD Case

You will need to refer to the Product CDs and Product Key located on the
Certificate of Authenticity every time you install this software. Be sure to
store this case in a safe place.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
Word MVP FAQ site: http://www.mvps.org/word

 

[margaret]

Are you saying that I will not be able to do anything
about this?

margaret

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

I'm saying that Dell gave you (or at least me) fair warning. If you have a
retail copy of Word/Office and can show proof of purchase, it is possible to
get a replacement CD-ROM or CD key from Microsoft. For OEM versions, MS
refers users to the OEM. Unfortunately, the OEMs can only refer you back to
MS, because they are not allowed to buy or otherwise acquire replacement
keys. So yes, you may well be stuck.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
Word MVP FAQ site: http://www.mvps.org/word