I just migrate from 2k to vista. I have heard a lot rumours about product
key and activation etc.

Is there a way to find out the product key of my vista computer if I lost
it?

Any also how to get a copy of the activation key so that when I format the
hard disk, I can reactivate again without any hassle?

How much it will cost me if I lost this key but need to reinstall? Do I
need to buy a new licence even I install vista back into the same computer.

Thanks

"Lamb Chop" <nospam@please.com> wrote in message
news:O6uhLTumHHA.4032@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...[color=blue]
>I just migrate from 2k to vista. I have heard a lot rumours about product
> key and activation etc.
>
> Is there a way to find out the product key of my vista computer if I lost
> it?
>
> Any also how to get a copy of the activation key so that when I format the
> hard disk, I can reactivate again without any hassle?
>
> How much it will cost me if I lost this key but need to reinstall? Do I
> need to buy a new licence even I install vista back into the same
> computer.
>
> Thanks
>
>
>[/color]


The product key should be included with your copy of Vista. Write it down
and store it somewhere safe. make a couple of copies and store them in
different places. If you are reinstalling Vista to the same computer you can
activate as many times as you want. After the first time you may have to
phone for activation but as long as you are within the terms of the license
it will be activated.

--
Kerry Brown
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User
[url]http://www.vistahelp.ca[/url]

"Lamb Chop" <nospam@please.com> wrote in message
news:O6uhLTumHHA.4032@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...[color=blue]
>I just migrate from 2k to vista. I have heard a lot rumours about product
> key and activation etc.
>
> Is there a way to find out the product key of my vista computer if I lost
> it?
>
> Any also how to get a copy of the activation key so that when I format the
> hard disk, I can reactivate again without any hassle?
>
> How much it will cost me if I lost this key but need to reinstall? Do I
> need to buy a new licence even I install vista back into the same
> computer.
>
> Thanks
>
>
>[/color]

Assuming you have Vista running (and inferring that you may have lost the
key?), download and install the Belarc Advisor here:

[url]http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html[/url]

It will show you a lot of valuable information about your computer,
including the installation keys for your OS and other software.
As Kerry said, make several printed copies of the report and store them in
safe places.

Since you implied that you still have the key, write it down and store it
somewhere safe. I am assuming you still have the DVD with Vista on it.
Write the key on the DVD case and keep that in a safe place. You should
always make sure to have all you disks when you need to do a restore.
Remember, it isn't IF your hard drive will fail, it's WHEN. Hopefully you
will be prepared when that time comes.


"Lamb Chop" <nospam@please.com> wrote in message
news:O6uhLTumHHA.4032@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...[color=blue]
>I just migrate from 2k to vista. I have heard a lot rumours about product
> key and activation etc.
>
> Is there a way to find out the product key of my vista computer if I lost
> it?
>
> Any also how to get a copy of the activation key so that when I format the
> hard disk, I can reactivate again without any hassle?
>
> How much it will cost me if I lost this key but need to reinstall? Do I
> need to buy a new licence even I install vista back into the same
> computer.
>
> Thanks
>
>
>[/color]