how do I retrieve my iWork license number

Unless you have the original packaging of the retail version or the e-mail from Apple for the online registration or a working installation of iWork '08 on a Mac there is no way to retrieve the license number. If you do have a working installation, open one of the iWork '08 apps & go to the application menu & select About Pages/Numbers/Keynote & write down the number.

iWork 8 should have the serial # on the packaging, it may have also been bundled with your original system disks. If you were eligible for it when you purchased the computer and lost it contact Apple to see if they can provide you with a replacement.

Call 1-800-MY-APPLE in North America or go to apple.com/contact for a list of international phone numbers.

Why hang on to iWork '08?

There is no reason to use it when at minimum you can be using the much superior Pages '09.

Peter