Retrieve XP Key from my CD

[Shelnutt2]

I'm searched and found many ways to retrieve your activation key from an XP install, but I can't find a way to get the CD key off the CD. I have a XP Home cd here that I slipstreamed SP2 onto, and I can't find the original cd/and code. I know its somewhere, but I can't find it. Is there a way to retrieve the key off of the cd?

I'm NOT looking for a keygen! Don't give me anything illegal that would get you/me banned. I own XP Home, and I'm just trying to get the activation code.


If the mods/admin feel as though this is not appropriate I just ask that they lock the thread and I'll not post of it again.

 

[redduc900]

The Product Key isn't stored on the install CD.

 

[Shelnutt2]

The Product Key isn't stored on the install CD.

Well that stinks! Alright then, I guess I have to give M$ a call.

 

[Suicide Al]

*edit* i was beat to the punch. the key should be the same as what your current installation is. unless you don't have an installation and are looking for a key for it.

 

[Enablingwolf]

If the install is intact still. Just use magical jelly bean. It will query the reg and pull the key out of that. Finding the actual key in the reg is really hard. Since it is encrypted.

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

 

[Shelnutt2]

Yeah thats the problem. I had my sister running Ubuntu but she needs XP...she has to be able to play games (Sims). So I don't have it currently installed and the old hard drive that it was once installe don bit the dust a while ago.

 

[Enablingwolf]

If you can't find the PK sticker. Sounds like your going to be buying a new key.

 

[Oroka Sempai]

Yeah, I highly doubt M$ is gonna cough up any 'lost' CD keys. Might as well tell them your name is John Smith and your phone number is 555-5555.

 

[bchur83]

Look for a file called WINNT.SIF on your CD in the I386 folder and open it with notepad. That would be your only possibility of getting the key, but that would only exist if the cd was made to be partially unattended.

 

[ErikD]

Look for a file called WINNT.SIF on your CD in the I386 folder and open it with notepad. That would be your only possibility of getting the key, but that would only exist if the cd was made to be partially unattended.

That won't help one bit here. If the key is already put into the .sif file then you won't be asked for the key during install anyway.

 

[Shelnutt2]

Yeah, I highly doubt M$ is gonna cough up any 'lost' CD keys. Might as well tell them your name is John Smith and your phone number is 555-5555.

I read that they charge you $10 for a new key. $10 isn't bad in my opinion saves me from buying a new copy.

Interesting about the WINNT.SIF, but as already said its not there.

 

[Oroka Sempai]

I read that they charge you $10 for a new key. $10 isn't bad in my opinion saves me from buying a new copy.

Hmmmm... how would they confirm you really had a key to start with? I am assuming you would have had to registered your copy, I know I never have, that is the only way M$ could confirm you ever owned a copy other than calling up a OEM for you existance.

 

[ErikD]

I believe you might need a copy of the receipt that shows you bought it.

 

[Shelnutt2]

I believe you might need a copy of the receipt that shows you bought it.

This doesn't look good. I have no idea were the recipt is.