How to Find The Certificate of Authenticity on Windows XP

Each authentic copy of Windows XP provides the Certificate of Authenticity in three locations.

With the release of Windows XP in August 2001, Microsoft began requiring users of XP to validate ownership via Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA). To participate, individuals running XP needed to register online by entering the Certificate of Authenticity code that came with each copy of Windows XP and each machine on which Windows XP was pre-installed. Without this 25-digit series of numbers and letters, users could not receive updates to Windows XP, such as security upgrades, patches and software fixes. You can find your Certificate of Authenticity in three locations.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP installation guide
• Computer

Instructions

1. Look for the physical copy of your Certificate of Authenticity (COA) on your computer. Flip over your laptop to see the COA sticker or locate the COA by finding the sticker on one of the sides of your desktop tower.

2. Find the physical copy of your COA on your Windows Installation CD or Windows booklet. If you bought a copy of Windows XP from an authorized distributor, you can find the COA sticker on the front cover of the XP booklet or the sleeve for the CD.

3. Locate the registry copy of your COA. Every authentic (i.e. non-pirated) copy of Windows XP will contain a digital text file that contains the COA. Click the Start button in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. Click on "My Computer."

4. Open the c:\i386 folder. Double-click on the icon for your hard drive (the "C" drive) to open it. Double-click "Programs," then double-click "Windows." Highlight the i386 folder and double-click to open it.

5. Find the "unattend.txt" file and double-click to open it. Select Notepad when prompted with the question "What program do you want to use to open this file?"

6. Look for the [UserData] entry. Next to it will be "ProductKey=" (without the quotes), followed by the 25 digits of your COA.

Tips & Warnings

• Register your copy of Windows XP within 30 days of buying your computer. After 30 days, Windows will begin prompting you to register it each time you boot your computer.

References

• Zimbio: Lost your Windows Xp Key?
• Tips 4 PC: What is a Windows COA (certificate of authenticity) retail or OEM sticker?
• Microsoft: What is a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?
• Genuine Microsoft Software: FAQ's

Resources

• Softpedia: WGA Identified 60 Million Pirated Copies of Windows OS