Reclaiming the XP Home windows serial key?

Recently, a family member may have gotten a virus on their laptop, on top of the slow performance it's been giving. I don't have a clue what the performance drop is from, but I do know that a format is probably the best solution, considering nothing essential is on it.

The thing is, the original CD and key was lost a while back for this, and I don't want to have to rebuy it. Is there a way to delve into the registry or somesuch and copy the key? I can use my own XP home disks for it.

Might be wise to get the broadband and/or Wireless network drivers from the laptop manufacturer's website before the install and put them on CD or Flash drive so that you will be able to get the laptop online to download any additional drivers the installation disc might miss.

You sure loose a lot of things, don`t you ?

Your key should be on the COA. ( flip the laptop over)

Use this: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

Your family member is still using XP?

Why not just get an OEM of Windows 7 and install it instead?