Has it happened to you that you misplace the jewel case or certificate of autheticity for a software and then need to reinstall the software on your computer? In fact if you do not have the product key your software is useless. Well, I had this problem for my Office 2000 (installed by Dell) software and did not know what to do but after trying a bunch of things (Windows 98 machine), here is how I got it:

(1) First, downloaded the free software Belarc Advisor. It does a few tricks but does not give the product key. It was a waste fo time.

(2) Then I downloaded a software called Product Key from Insaneware by paying about $6. The software simply did not work and did not give me the product key. Had a very tough time getting any tech support and the company refused to give me refund. Don't use it - I am amazed that there are so many crooks on the Internet.

(3) Called Dell. They were totally unhelpful. Gave a lot of BS and essentially the woman wanted me to buy a new software telling me not to bother with an old software. I had to hang up.

(4) Called Microsoft. Boy, what a delight it was to talk to them. They were so helpful. While numbers may change but here is the number to call and you may be asked to pay for the call (though the woman was nice enough not to charge me - it only took her a minute and I was a genuine customer any way). If you are calling about an office product, this page has all the information including the telephone number. In any case, the first place to start is Microsoft support page and from there on just follow the links. Due to Microsoft's help I do not have to buy new software.

A piece of advice: Once you install any software, keep everything in the safe together in one neat bundle.