Discussion on:

Find your Windows XP Product Key with ViewKeyXP

Yeah well the link isn't really working now!!!!!????

There are many programs Out there to view and change the product key. Ie..RockXP, Key Viewer etc. to name a few. These are safe.

SIW (System Information Windows) by by Gabriel Topala is available at
http://www3.sympatico.ca/gtopala/about_siw.html
and provides Windows Keys and so much more!

It handles Microsoft Windows 98/Me/NT4/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista.

Great product.
Did I mention it is free.

Rather than hackware, try using a legit program such as Belarc Advisor - it shows product keys also. BTW - very often the product key produced by such programs will be the OEM key used during installation (Dell's are a case in point) and may not "pass muster". You can always call the mfg of a computer, give them the identifying info for a computer they built (eg - serial number) and they will provide you with a valid OS key.

and that is just what i did on a cust, system when they didnt have the key code for me ...

I have been using this for several years now and the latest version will find the product key for XP and MS office, all versions since office 97 pro.
Its an excellent program, except it won't work if you have a trashed XP system in your disk caddy and you are trying to get the code to enable you to install a slipstreamed version of XP.
Does anybosy know of a Linux program that will recover the keys from a trashed XP system?

To recover the Product Key (PK) from a non-loading
XP installation: locate and download an app called
ProduKey (try majorgeeks.com). Slave the hard drive containing the trashed xp to a working PC with functional XP. The ProduKey folder has a read
me file with the Run line command for key retrieval from a slave drive. It involves the reading of Windows\system32\config\software and
decrypting the PK from there. ProduKey is clean
from any viruses and it's saved my butt on numer-
ous occasions. I recommend it to all tech-types
out there..... There are other ways to recover the
PK from a trashed XP install, but they are MUCH more cumbersome and involved: you need ERD Commander or UBCD4Win or BartsPE, certain reg keys
need to be imported/exported and temporarily replaced, and a 2nd working PC is still required
(in most scenarios). PX recovery from DOS or recovery console is not possible as far as I know.
Just use ProduKey. It works.

Put the little app 'ProduKey.exe' on a floppy,
boot to UBCD4Win or ERD Commander or something
similar, go to the 'Run' command line, put the
floppy in drive a, type a:\produkey.exe /regfile
"C:\windows\system32\config\software" with the
quotes and with a space between .exe and the slash
and a space between regfile and the first quote.
That's it! The product key will be revealed short-
ly!!!! EASY!

Thanks for your very clear instructions on produkey.
I would never have got the spaces and quotes in the correct place.
With the help of a usb hard disc housing I got the key from a trashed Pc that was stuck in xp setup mode thank you

Since you mention UBCD4Win, I don't understand the problem, because on there is a program called 'Keyfinder PE'. It shows the product key without any complications, and without entering the source code of the universe in Japanese.

KeyfinderPE on the UBCD4Win has never worked for me. I haven't tried it in a while but from what I remember it says something like 'cannot read hive' or some similar error. That's why I recommended the 'complicated' method....

The last time I reformatted my HDD about 2 weeks ago and entered my Product Key the computer would not accept it and immediately I recieved a message saying that my product key was no longer any good that I needed to call some 1-888# for Microsoft Tech support. After doing so the tech I spoke to explained to me that from now on if for any reason you need to reformat a HDD and go to activate it everyone will have to call in and get a new ONE TIME USE release activation code about 24 numbers long. She said this is their new method of making sure people who install and go to avtivate their Windows OS they have to register it at the same time and thats it, no one else will ever be able to use it again other than you. And they will ask you a lot of questions for security reasons. Luckily I have only the one computer for now that needed a reformat. She said not only does the Product ID become a permanent record to your name and information in their data base, but also your machine UIDN as soon as you activate it and go online for validation and updates, so you can not use it on multiple machines.

I activate at least 3 PC's weekly as part of my job, and usually have to call Microsoft's 800 number to activate. I have never been asked for my name or phone number: they usually just ask for the installation ID # (7 or 9 groups of 6 numbers each), the product key, PC brand and model, number of PC's with the same product key, if this is my first activation for this PC and if not, why am I reactivating, and occasionally they'll ask for my city and state and where the PC was originally purchased. They also sometimes ask if the OS came preloaded or was added later.
Again; I have NEVER been asked for my name... EVER.

is it possible to do what you at job always using same disk? I know it use to be with a old inactive key .

You can use the same Disk but only 1 per computer system. Each disk will only recognize a single product key and serial number in order to allow it to be activated, or Microsoft will charge you for multi user license which can be expensive.
Its no longer like back in the good old days of WIN 98, ME, or W2K or even some first generation XP Home Editions. Not even the XP Key Changer applications will work anymore. There is a work around I hear by using a single computer for license and then networking others to it and then using a mirroring application on the primary system which will grab the updates you need. Though it is alot of work seeing how Microsoft usually updates something at least every other month or so. SO you will need to backup any and all personal data and files before preforming the updates on all systems, then update the primary system and mirroring that primary system drive to the other systems.
But it does get you out of having to buy more than one license. And as far as IP address records if they are all on a shared network connection via a router Microsoft will only be able to record the address of the router.

I can use the same CD for an unlimited number of PC's (and I do), but each PC must have it's own unique Product Key. I've been using the same XP Home SP2b disc for 2-3 months and have installed XP from this CD on at least 40 different PC's, but they each have their own product key....
The CD doesn't have a product key locked into it, it only has a math equation that checks the product key that is entered during installation to make sure it's a valid XP Home key and not just random numbers and letters. XP Home and XP Pro use different equations and the keys are not interchangeable; but SP1 keys will work with SP2 CD's (and vice versa). Volume licenses are a whole
different scenario as they do not require activation (usually) and therefore the key can be used on numerous PC's; the number of PC's is determined by the VLA with Microsoft (Volume License Agreement).

Nacromancer, I think you're full of crap, or the person who told you this is full of crap.

We have over 120 WinXP Pro machines here, and I regularly have to replace the hard disks and re-install Windows. Some machines have OEM installs, some Retail, some this, some that, I just find a key that works and sometimes it activates, if not I call the toll-free number and if the computer cannot help me, one of the Indian voices usually does. The key is keeping track of which disks go with which Product Keys and PC types to keep things simple (ie, Gateway laptop, Dell desktop, whitebox, etc).

I know how many legal copies we have, as I'm not putting XP on the former Win 2000 machines (of which we have many still) but I find it impossible to keep track of which specific license went to which PC, etc.

And I've NEVER been asked for my name or any identifying information, nor had any problem activating these machines.

I have been using a program for years now called Belarc Advisor, which is a free download from belarc.com and gives you more informaion on your system than most people really need, but it will give you not only your windows product key, it will also give you your Micorosoft Office, and some other programs activation keys as well and it can be printed out for future use.

A simple question: if i want to translate online a website: http://www.artikelpedia.com from German to English, it is that possible?

For example some webpages are already in english but not all of them: http://www.artikelpedia.com/artikel/englisch/10/englisch2.php

I would like to keep the same structure, with static pages, but this pages i wold like to have the ability to be translated in other languages. Basicly in website i use:
http://www.artikelpedia.com/artikel/informatik/4/informatik2.php
Latein: http://www.artikelpedia.com/artikel/geographie/9/geographie3.php

that i am slaving on the e drive
Hi
tried magicaljelly and it gave the key to the unit that is running i tried saving it to the slave dead drive but no luck

Please help

Steve

Download and unzip 'ProduKey'. It can be downloaded from www.majorgeeks.com. Copy the file 'produkey.exe' to a floppy/CD/thumb drive, etc. Click Start>Run. Type: a:\produkey.exe /regfile "e:\windows\system32\config\software" with the quotes and a space after the .exe and a space before the first quote. a:\ is the drive with 'produkey.exe' and e:\ is the slave or corrupt drive. Now wait a few seconds and like magic, the key is provided!!!!

Try Magical Jelly Bean: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

It's free, works well, and IS NOT a "hacker" tool. I've been using it for years without a hitch. Heck, the latest version even finds Office product keys!

George Boyce
www.gbpluspcrepair.com

If you intend to reinstall a legitimate copy of Windows and want to escape the hassle of re-registeriung, copy on a floppy or other removable media the wpa.dbl file from Windows\System32 folder and paste it in the new os instalation.

http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.php

Don't bother with those listed. Belarc is the way to go. It has saved me several times and gives keys of all software on your system.

This one works better and also does Office Keys to.
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

have you ever heard of unattend

Another useful tool is "CD-Keyreader.exe"
It will also show most if not all installed M$ product keys. And its only 21k, doesnt need to install and runs from a USB key fob without a problem.

Good going John. I have been using keyfinder for years in my larger clients where the keys get thrown in a pile over time and no one knows which one goes where. The problem is usually with Office so that is where keyfinder comes in. Keep up the good reports.

ANTIWPA.DLL IS ALL YOU NEED TO ACTIVATE WINDOWS WORKS WITH ANY XP, EVEN UP TO LATEST UPDATES. I JUST RAN LATEST UPDATES ON MY VIRTUAL MACHINE. I STILL USE WINDOWS ABOUT ONCE A MONTH OR SO. WORK RELATED UPDATE STUFF. SYNCING INFO, BUT THAT IS ALL ABOUT IT. IT IS A WINDOWS ONLY PROGRAM THAT DOES NOT RUN UNDER WINE.

Hi,
There is also a software--- Password Genius that does this at http://www.password-genius.com/how-to/how-to-recover-my-windows-xp-product-key.html. The advantage is that it can even find out your Windows system CD Key when your Windows can't startup.Also, This software will find many other keys like office XP, office 2007 and more .
Hope this can help you!
Best wishes.
Mia sung

If I loose numbers I would just try another one, duplicate or not doesnt matter as the end result is still one number (sticker) per system.
I donot stick them on the case as thats a stupid idea . Stickers can get lost...

Microsoft has the records kept better than most of us of what keys are where. Even with the original disk and key, you do not want to re-install very often (unless you have a site license, which we do not) since that flags the computer/script reader that you may be a pirate.

We have one machine that had corrupted several times. On the fourth install it was reported that the product activation would not take and they called the 800 number. While I do not know the full story, the word was that we were accused of trying to use that copy on several PCs since we were doing so many installs, after all XP is so stable!

If it were not for all the proprietary windows only software we are required to run.....

I can only hope Microsoft is not stupid enough (and there is no other word) than to accuse someone of piracy based on the scenario you described. Laws vary in different states, but I DO NOT need Microsoft's or any other ones permission to tape a phone conversation in my state that I AM A PARTY to.

I am all for stopping piracy and hope they get them all, but if they wrongly accuse me in a similar scenario they will meet my legal staff and pay for it too, IF they fail to get my system back upand running. Quite frankly I could care less what they accuse me of providing they make what I paid for work.

The Product Activation does not excuse them from providing a product that works. I'm sure this can open up all kind of legal debates over the EULA, etc., etc., and I could care less for them until they render something I paid for useless. At that point I will tap my lawyer to handle it.

As to your comment: "Product Activation does not excuse them from providing a product that works"
Actually, every paid software I have ever seen includes the warranty disclaimer line:

NO WARRANTIES. Microsoft expressly disclaims any warranty forthe SOFTWARE PRODUCT. THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NONINFRINGEMENT. THE ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT REMAINS WITH YOU.

This is just one of several handcuffs that software providers use to maximize their profits and limit all consumer rights. Because we continue to purchase and use these products, software vendors have no incentive to change.

That may excuse them from a legal liability, but not from a business standpoint.
"Because we continue to purchase and use these products, software vendors have no incentive to change."
That's pretty much how businesses work in every industry, not just software vendors. (Such is the nature of Capitalism). If the activation gets in the way of your business, consumers will demand improvements or seek out a different product. Logically, they need to provide a product 'that works' to provide continued success for the company. MS is many things (good & bad)...but they're not a fly-by-night company looking to make some money in the short-term.

I would expect improvement in the activation, as many of us have complaints about it. Just upgrading your hardware can throw off the activation (so I've heard). I'm sure it drastically reduces piracy, but the activation coupled with the overly confusing volume licensing programs can be a real beating.

Problem is that microsoft makes these wonderful versions of almost all their software called 'Corporate' or "VLK" editions. I guard them with my (I.T.)life at work. If someone gets a hold of those keys and the corresponding corporate edition softywareand goes home and uses them for personal use (server 2003 ent. ed. on a pIII anyone?), they will get blacklisted in the not too distant future by Microsoft. Thats bad. Very Bad. bout $100000 and an unemployed network admin bad. I have black listed Aida, Aida32, Everest home and pro (the successors to the Aida project) as well as all the above mentioned software to protect the investment of my corporation. How many of these stupid things do I need to blacklist? Time will only tell

That's why so many companies are switching to ASP-based models, where it's impossible to pirate their product, and instead of buying it once and maybe paying to continued support (and maybe not, maybe getting 10+ years out of a single purchase), you'll be tied, bound to their model forever, paying yearly fees indefinitely, and if you decide to stop paying, everything stops working. If you decide to switch to a competitor's product, oops, guess what, they own your data and you cannot.

A terrible idea, terrible evil, but it's happening. In our case, that's the next version of one of our major software packages. This will, among other things, force us to invest in redundant internet connections, higher end routers that support load balancing, etc. etc. to ensure near 100% uptime, then hope and pray their data center across the country is somewhere near 100%, but oh gosh, don't forget, they don't really guarantee anything, not REALLY, so if there is a failure between here and there and hundreds of patients cannot check in, oh well, that's our problem.

The future does not look bright...

If the warranty statement claims no responsibility on the behalf of the consumer from the vendor, how can they actually expect no one to pirate the OS to other machines? Meh~

It all comes down to which contry or state's law is applied.

In UK law there's a little thing called the Consumer Credit Act - which states (among other things) that goods or services must be of a merchantable quality.

No matter what the warranty says no-one can waive this requirement (even if you agree to such weird and wonderful statements during the install process).

Just most people don't know about it. EULA's claim all kinds of things that are illegal, but they are hoping that the end user just blindly accepts what they are told.

As you can tell from reading the posts here, their strategy is working.

If you read the fine print, pretty much all software states that the manufacturer will not be held responsible for any damages or losses caused by failure of said product to work, and I've never heard of anyone successfully suing a manufacturer because they're product is crap.

With their army of corporate lawyers, nobody would stand a chance in court with them.

What is the 800 # to MicroSoft? I need to talk to them about reinstalling 2003 Server for Disaster Rec. purposes. Thanks in advance. Paul P.

Use a permanent marking pen to write the keycode on the front of the CD-ROM

You talk about viewing the Product key.
However, on re-install one will need the activation key again.
You do not mention if this extra key is revealed.
Therefore, product key without the activation key for the specific PC could, probably, work only for 30 days.
So the program proposed may not be the ultimate solution.
Maybe one should stick to windows 2000, which does not need a Microsoft activation key.
I wonder what will happen with windows 2003.
Article in U.K. computer journal suggests that about 25% of application may not work under this newest operating system.

Oded

When you reinstall you're asked for a product key, not an activation key. So the same you key you see via ViewKey XP is the one you'll use to re-install the OS. This tool is helpful in the scenario I have at my job: the people here weren't carefulabout recording which keys were installed where, so now I can use this to go back and create an inventory of installed keys. In turn, that lets me know which purchased keys are still unused.

Hi,

If I have an XP Key, how will I know if it is a Home / Pro / Corp key ???

Regards