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by msgwen7

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I have a huge problem....I have more than one copy and version of Windows 95/98. My problem is that my "disks" have gotten separated from the proper paperwork (Certificate of Auth.) Without having a computer on hand to "install" each of them is there a way to match my Windows 95/98 disks with the proper product key/code.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
Gwen

9 replies

by ds9

Yes Gwen there is:

Goto www.belarc.com, click on Free Download, and you can download a "Free for personal use" copy of the"BelArc Advisor".

This program will tell more information about your computer than you can possibly imagine. It will giveevery Model and serial number of every device in you box. In the section on "Software Licenses" you will get the License Number of every item Of Microsoft Software on your system. The same numbers that you normally get on the CD case when buy you software in the first place.

Hope this is what you are looking for.

Cheers - George ...

by msgwen7

I don't want to have to "install" each disk on the computer to find the match up.

by ericd173

Unfortunately, I have to disagree with the previous answer. BelArc will give you the license (as in registration) number, but not the CD key. You can, however, find the CD key in the registry. Open regedit and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version and look for it there. It's been awhile since I had to dig for one so you may have to go one more level to Setup, but I think it's in Current Version.

by msgwen7

Still this answer leaves me with having to install each disk. When Windows first started coming out on CD's you could use your windows explorer to get the correct OEM number but not anymore.

by thechas

As far as matching the disks and paperwork, you need only match a release version CD with the same release product key.

OEM, revision, Retail, Upgrade

For W 95, that could be a number of variations.

For W98, there are fewer variations.

Iwould use a inventory tool like Belarc (only free for personal use not corporate) and create a list of versions and associated product keys.

You can then use the date on the cab files on the CDs to determine which distribution each is.

Chas

by msgwen7

This doesn't work for me either. I've had instances where the system asked me for the CD and then the code and when it was the wrong one....it would shut down

by msgwen7

When I tried to go to this site I got the famous "white page" of website cannot be found?????

by msgwen7

I appreciate the suggestions given. I have the BelArc advisor on the computer....but I need a way to determine which disk goes with which Certificate of Auth. short of actually installing each one on a computer.

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