windows 2000 general questions

[Nerva]

i just installed windows 2000, but for some reason it didn't prompt me for a cd key, which is really weird. i am also trying to figure out what the win2k "msconfig" is. can someone answer those questions?

 

[jlbenedict]

Were you prompted for any setup information?

Could be an unattended "Answer" file integrated in the install disc.

Are you using an original, Microsoft WIndows 2000 disc?? Or a custom, service-pack integrated one made by yourself or other means?

 

[Marinski]

mine is the same. But, its a burned copy not an original disc (probably a corporate version or somthing because a friend got it for me from a friend he works with in IT) and i think its an upgrade version but im not 100% sure because i've only tried to install it from 98. I dont think 2000 has msconfig. You can probably download it or maybe get it from XP.

 

[Nerva]

well, i have a valid key stickered to the bottom of the laptop, but no cd. so i downloaded an iso that already has sp4. does that change things?

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: 3cho
i just installed windows 2000, but for some reason it didn't prompt me for a cd key, which is really weird. i am also trying to figure out what the win2k "msconfig" is. can someone answer those questions?

I would guess that you've got a 'corporate copy'.

As far as msconfig, have a look here... http://www.techadvice.com/win2000/m/msconfig_w2k.htm

 

[Nerva]

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: 3cho
i just installed windows 2000, but for some reason it didn't prompt me for a cd key, which is really weird. i am also trying to figure out what the win2k "msconfig" is. can someone answer those questions?

I would guess that you've got a 'corporate copy'.

As far as msconfig, have a look here... http://www.techadvice.com/win2000/m/msconfig_w2k.htm

i still dont understand though. a corporate copy?

 

[jlbenedict]

a corporate copy really isn't the correct term..

Companies purchase Microsoft software with a license that is known as "Volume Licensing". This allows a certain product to be installed on multiple systems, usually with the same key, as long as the license agreements are still met.. etc.. etc..


But, I know here at work, even with "corporate" installs, you still have to enter the license key, at least with Windows 2000 Server & Advanced Server..

That is why I am supspected that your copy has the key integrated in, with an unattended Answer file, or whatever other way the hackers wanna do it these days..

 

[Nerva]

so how do i get rid of this answer file? i think i see this file btw.

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: 3cho
so how do i get rid of this answer file? i think i see this file btw.

This is the unattended answer file: Unattend.txt

Look for the section called [UserData] then something that looks like ProductID="AB123-AB123-AB123-AB123-AB123"

You could probably replace that with your real, legit key, and then continue to use the unnattended setup, if you want to.

 

[Canterwood]

We have copies of VLK Windows 2000 Sever and Pro at work which do not ask for a license key, which makes me think that thats what you have.

Win 2K doesn't ship with MSCONFIG, but you can use the one which comes with XP.

Just google for it and add it to you WINNT folder.

 

[Nerva]

Originally posted by: jlbenedict

Originally posted by: 3cho
so how do i get rid of this answer file? i think i see this file btw.

This is the unattended answer file: Unattend.txt

Look for the section called [UserData] then something that looks like ProductID="AB123-AB123-AB123-AB123-AB123"

You could probably replace that with your real, legit key, and then continue to use the unnattended setup, if you want to.

but how do you edit files that are on an iso?

 

[Diz2K2]

Your going to have to extract the iso and then rebuild it. Then you will need to burn the iso to another CD

 

[jimdwa6538]

You can configure W2K to install without having to manually enter the CD key during the setup process. Admins have been doing this for years because you can't always get your hands on the original installation media or you're just pushing the i386 folder over the network. this is probably what they did on the image you downloaded. If you reverse the process you'll need a valid CD-key to reinstall.

First, you want to copy your Windows 2000 setup files from your CD to your hard drive. You have to copy at least the I386 directory.

Now go into the I386 directory you just copied onto your hard drive and look for a file called setupp.ini.

Right click it, select Properties, and remove the Read-only checkmark. Now open the file to edit it.

Your setupp.ini file should read something like this:

[Pid]
ExtraData=6166656C736263737373B2574A0581
Pid=51873XXX

Replace the 3 X's (generally it'll be three zeros) at the end with "270". It should now read something like this:

[Pid]
ExtraData=6166656C736263737373B2574A0581
Pid=51873270

That?s it! Now you can now install Windows 2000 without a serial number!


You should remember that doing this might be considered illegal in Microsoft's eyes so as such it's not something I would recommend to do.

In your case you'll need a utility like WinISO to edit the image that you downloaded or to extract it from the CD. Then you can open the i386 folder and recompile the ISO to reburn it.

 

[Smilin]

Uh, where did you download the ISO from?

let me rephrase for bluntness:
Are you pirating?

 

[jlbenedict]

Ok Mods.. I believe it is about time to lock and wrap this thread up