Extracting Vista Installation Key From Registry File

[mindless1]

I have a Gateway laptop with a failing HDD and the Vista product key sticker on the back is badly worn, not readable.

The HDD files seem readable still but it won't boot. If I copy the registry file over to another system is there a way to extract the Vista product key from it?

 

[Bubbaleone]

You can chase down the tools to recover Vista/7 keys from the ntuser.dat file yourself, but I like Dagon's webpage since everything you need is right there: Vista Product Key Recovery

 

[mindless1]

Thanks Bubbaleone, I'll give that a try tonight.

 

[MontyAC]

You can use Magic Jelly Bean Keyfinder:

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/

 

[MustISO]

ProduKey would great as well.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

 

[mindless1]

Thanks guys, though it seems that both of those will still require loading the hive from the retrieved ntuser.dat file as described in Bubbaleone's link since the system isn't bootable, and then they would work, correct?

Is this ntuser.dat file going to be accessible or is it locked or something if the laptop is password protected? Last time I scanned the HDD I did notice some files were visible but locked or something.

 

[Bubbaleone]

That HDD must not be password protected or you wouldn't be able to access anything (I'm assuming it's been removed from the laptop and installed in a different computer). Just be sure that in Explorer > Tools > Folder Options > View, you've checked "Show hidden files, folders, or drives" and unchecked all of the following: "Hide empty drives in the Computer folder", "Hide extensions for known file types", and "Hide protected operating system files". These settings will let you view all of the .DAT files.

.

 

[mindless1]

Thanks but I don't think it's that, rather that I don't have permission on the access control list. Yes the HDD is pulled from the laptop and in a USB enclosure. All the things you've mentioned were done already, I can't even browse the folder.


When I right click the Documents And Settings folder and choose Properties, there is no Security Tab so I can change permissions like there is with other folders.

Is there a way around this?

 

[Ketchup]

Thanks but I don't think it's that, rather that I don't have permission on the access control list. Yes the HDD is pulled from the laptop and in a USB enclosure. All the things you've mentioned were done already, I can't even browse the folder.


When I right click the Documents And Settings folder and choose Properties, there is no Security Tab so I can change permissions like there is with other folders.

Is there a way around this?

The Documents and Setting folder on Vista should be locked. I believe those instructions were for XP. For Vista, you want to go to C:Users:<account name>. If "hide protected operating system files" is unchecked, you should be able to see it.

 

[mindless1]

Grr, my friend who owns the laptop just asked how it was going... turns out he doesn't need the Vista installation key because he's changed his mind and going to put Win8 on it instead.

So, I zero'd the drive and put a new partition on it, though it's probably going to be completely dead soon.

Methinks his allotment of free laptop repair time has elapsed.

 

[Ketchup]

Grr, my friend who owns the laptop just asked how it was going... turns out he doesn't need the Vista installation key because he's changed his mind and going to put Win8 on it instead.

So, I zero'd the drive and put a new partition on it, though it's probably going to be completely dead soon.

Methinks his allotment of free laptop repair time has elapsed.

That's just the price we pay sometimes. If he's a good friend it's worth it though.

 

[Matt1970]

I am not sure the key you pull out of Windows on an OEM install that was auto activated will work on a fresh install.

Here's a tip for the future. Anyone with Windows 7 or Vista on a laptop should take a piece of tape and put it over the product key. That will keep the numbers from wearing off.

 

[mindless1]

^ Good advice for preservation tho' on every laptop I've owned I just wrote it down or scanned it. Then again I make and/or keep OEM install images which I didn't have to work with.