Can I obtain my Windows XP CD Key from a Ghost Backup?

[Norske]

Ok this is sort of a wierd question, but here is what I need to do, with some background information first:

1. Hard drive failed, had a purchased version of Windows XP Pro on it that was sent back to MFR.
2. I made Ghost backups of this hard drive onto another hard drive

I am curious if there is a way to browse through ghost backup files, sort of like a directory, and if so would it be possible to extract the registry from my old hard drive? I know that the CD Key can be obtained through the registry, so I am curious if there is a way for me to do this without going through the trouble of re-imagine a hard drive to obtain the information.

 

[Fardringle]

The reason you use Ghost is so that you can re-image a hard drive when something happens (or you just want a clean image). If you need the CD key so that you can re-install Windows on this same computer, then why not just use the image that you already created?

 

[wfn]

you cant retrieve the key without booting into that installation.. here's a program that'll get you the key once it's booted http://www.download3000.com/download_7546.html

 

[LiLithTecH]

Originally posted by: Norske

I am curious if there is a way to browse through ghost backup files, sort of like a directory, and if so would it be possible to extract the registry from my old hard drive? I know that the CD Key can be obtained through the registry, so I am curious if there is a way for me to do this without going through the trouble of re-imagine a hard drive to obtain the information.

You can use GHOSTWALKER to browse the image.