Can't Find CD-Key

[SwampsterFL]

I have recently been given the task of determining if all the software on all our systems is legal and locating all the disks and licenses, etc.

I have found that I have the correct number of Windows CD's, but they have all been taken out of their original slip covers and placed in generic jewel cases . . . and nobody thought to put the CD-Keys with the proper CD.

Is there a utility of some sort I can use to look at a OEM Windows 98 SE CD and tell what the CD Key is so that I can put the proper disk with the proper computer?

 

[rudder]

contact microsoft? For the most part cd keys are interchangeable and not hardwired to a particular cd. There are different ranges for OEM versus retail however. It shouldn't really matter which cd goes in which sleeve.

 

[bozo1]

The keys don't matter. As long as you have the correct number of licenses, you are fine.

 

[LiLithTecH]

You can also try this:

MS Inventory Analyzer

MSIA FAQ's

 

[Swampster]

Thanks for the inventory tool. I will give it a try in the morning. However, it still does't address the original problem . . . I have correct number of OEM Win98SE CD's, and it is no problem finding what the value for the CD key on all the systems, but I still don't know which CD belongs to which computer, and therefor don't have any way of reinstalling the OS on any of these systems should it become necessary.

 

[earthman]

Are they all Win 98SE? If they are, it doesn't matter. If they are different versions then there may be a problem as the key sequences are different.

 

[crisp82]

Go to start, run, type in regedit. HKEY_Local_Machine/software/microsoft/window/current version and scroll down to product key.

and you have it, the magical mystery of the lost keys.

Enjoy

 

[Bleep]

Crisp82

You do not understand his question, he wants to know what Key number will work with each CD that he has. A bunch of machines each with its own OS installed, a bunch of CD's but he wants to know how to tell which CD goes with each machine.
I dont know how to find this out but when you do put the CD that was used for install in the computer case and it will never get away.

Bleep

 

[crisp82]

But the codes aren't linked to the cd's, otherwise Keygens wouldn't be possible. All you need is the correct amount of licences, cd's, and keys.

 

[Bleep]

What is a keygen?

Bleep

 

[crisp82]

A keygen is a Key Generator. They normally produce a product key for a specific piece of software i.e. Counterstrike. It's just another form of hacking, all you need is the original software, and entering a product key from a KeyGen will enable full use of the software.

 

[Buzzman151]

crisp82 is totally right..... the cds aren't key specific. At least someone had the forethought of geting everything in the right place

 

[crisp82]

Thanks Buzzman.

Hope this work for you Swampster. You will need to check the registry on each machine. Then make a note of each key and keep it somewhere safe.

 

[SwampsterFL]

Thanks one and all. I had long suspected that a given CD would accept ANY CD-Key within the proper range. In other words, as long as I had a Win98SE OEM CD I could use ANY CD-Key that met the formula criteria for that specific type of CD. Carrying that one step further, it would be reasonable to suspect that the fact that this is commonly known would be the reason for making Activation necessary.

NOW . . . if only we knew the formula used for the different classes of install CD's, we could . . . no, that's hacking that they won't let us talk about here <hee, hee, hee>.