Question : Problem: format hard drive and used original dell insprion 8000 windows me to boot up, lost product key code off back of computer. how can i get by that part of the reload without the code

i formated my dell insprion 8000  with the original windows me cd. the product key code was on the back of the computer but half of the sticker is gone, leaving me at the window that requires the full product key code. how can i get the code to continue rebooting of the computer?

Answer : Problem: format hard drive and used original dell insprion 8000 windows me to boot up, lost product key code off back of computer. how can i get by that part of the reload without the code

I would try booting the computer from the XP CD.  See if you can install XP from there.   You also might need to change CMOS settings to boot to the CD ROM drive before the hard drive.  

If you bought the upgarde CD you might want to contact Dell and see if they can release your serial number based on your service tag.  I'm not sure if they will but it is worth a trying.