How to retrieve Windows XP cd key?

[Kalmah]

I have 2 copies of XP and need to find out which key that I'm using on this computer. (the second copy is un-used)

I've tried a couple programs that are suppose to find the key for you, but my antivirus goes nuts on them.

I'm about to give a copy of xp to my brother-in-law and don't want him to have the same cd key.

Any solutions?

 

[RebateMonger]

I've used SIW (http://gtopala.com) on hundreds of systems and have never had an AV warning. I have a commercial license for the software, but the freeware version (for non-commercial use) works perfectly for what you need.

 

[theevilsharpie]

I've used Keyfinder without any problems.

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

 

[Chapbass]

I've used Keyfinder without any problems.

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

This. It even has a remote hive option where you can point it to a non-booting hard drive thats connected as a slave on a different machine and extract the key. I've used that more than a handful of times, wonderful.

 

[JackMDS]

Hmm.. I have a bright idea, switch off the AV when you run the keyfinder. :sneaky:

 

[bruceb]

Belarc Advisor can get the key of installed programs.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

So can Everest ... neither is considered a threat by any antivirus.

http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4181

 

[RebateMonger]

I've tried a couple programs that are suppose to find the key for you, but my antivirus goes nuts on them.

Would you mind telling us what Key-finder programs and what AV you use? Thanks.

 

[jaytone1]

I have a question about using key finder and reinstalling Windows 7.
My original install would not activate with the key so I called the phone activation and was given a new set of numbers to enter in the boxes and it activated.

I now plan to reformat and reinstall everything with a larger hard drive and new video card.
I will use the Key Finder to get the key before I disconnect the old hard drive.

QUESTION IS,
I will use the original Windows 7 as I did originally and it probably wont activate. Can I use the key that key finder found on the old hard drive to activate or will I have to activate by phone and get a different key ?

 

[lxskllr]

Would you mind telling us what Key-finder programs and what AV you use? Thanks.

Avira will complain about keyfinders(JellyBean in particular). There's several tools in UBCD For Windows Avira doesn't like.