Lost product key

John writes in with this problem: "I had to reinstall my OS (xp) today. I have completed the install and I am putting Works suit 2002 with money standard. all of the components installed except word 2002 which comes bundled with it. I am being asked for a 25 digit product key. I do not have the product key, the envelope must have gotten thrown out. I've contacted Dell and they told me to contact Microsoft. MS is telling me to contact Dell. I just want to install this so I can start using Word again. How can I obtain the product key for the software that I legally own and have paid for without all of this hassle?"

The best advice I could find was through Microsoft Office Assistance: Replace lost Office product keys. I hope that helps!