davidslee,

What product's key number are you looking for? Who are you calling to get it?

windows xp

davidslee,

The 25-character ID on the sticker on the computer case is the correct one. Make sure you are not reading a "B" as an "8" or doing a similar transposition. Are you referring to registering XP or activating it, the former of which is optional?

I am having the same problem after Dell sent out a new hard drive.  I am unable to get the product key number from the side of my computer to take, which makes it impossible to use Microsoft Word.  Please help.  I did try all the suggestions that were given and of course Dell Support at 800-624-9896 is closed for the night.  Please Help!  Kristine

if when i was installing home edition windows xp and i messed up on the number when first entering it...will that affect how the registration of the computer works? Also i am unable to connect to the activation server despite my internet working it still cant connect to it.

I may see the source for your problem.  You reference that you are having trouble getting Word installed and working,  and you mention that you are trying to use the key which is on a sticker on your machine.  The key on the sticker stuck to your PC is not the key for installing Office (or any of its components).  That key is for re-installing Windows XP (your OS).  You need the install key for Office to get your "Word" working.  That should be on a sticker on the CD jewel case for your Office CD.  Your Office CD may not have come in a jewel case,  so it might also be a cardboard sleeve,  but in any case the sticker you need to find is the one that came with your Office install CD.