Wya to find out MS registration keys on system

[wojak]

Is there a way to find out a registration key for windows 98/me/200/xp on running system?
Also is there a way to find those codes for MS office or other MS products that are already installed on the system?

I need to reinstall OS and /or applications on users systems every once in a while and would like to use their original keys (even if they do not have the original disks or book handy but have the program installed on their system)

Thanks
Robert

 

[microAmp]

Originally posted by: wojak
Is there a way to find out a registration key for windows 98/me/200/xp on running system?
Also is there a way to find those codes for MS office or other MS products that are already installed on the system?

I need to reinstall OS and /or applications on users systems every once in a while and would like to use their original keys (even if they do not have the original disks or book handy but have the program installed on their system)

Thanks
Robert

How come the user doesn't have the original disk and the keys to them.

 

[wojak]

I heard all sorts of reasons, from I lost them to my dog eaten them, etc.
What is the legal view on reinstalling software if it?s already on the system and the system / or application needs to be reinstalled but user can not produce the key codes but the software is on their computer?
If the user states they have license for it but can't locate the codes now.

 

[pitupepito2000]

I am not sure if this is the key registration that you are looking for, but you can do a right click on my computer and in General you will see to whom is the product registered and it will give you a number.

Hope this helps!!

 

[Jynx980]

In win98 go to the general system info tab. There is a number there but it is not the whole number for windows. Copy it and then search for it in the registry- that will be the full number.

 

[KillerCow]

Is there a way to find out a registration key for windows 98/me/200/xp on running system?

FYI. The key was kept in the registry for win95 and win98. I don't remember where though. I used to search for -oem- to find it (if it was an OEM install). If you remove this key, it will make the user re-enter it and re-agree to the EULA.

What is the legal view on reinstalling software if it?s already on the system and the system / or application needs to be reinstalled but user can not produce the key codes

IANAL. If you are a vendor, then you should not install an app/OS without the license. The EULA usually states that you cannot install it without an original, valid, and unused serial. If you do, then you are in breach of the license. If they "can't find the code" they are pretty much screwed, since they have to have it to run the app. You need to make a good faith effort to ensure that they have a valid license.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I concur with KillerCow, Be certain to observe the legal usage of the software since even if the client isn't sincere and forthright in their reasons for not having possession of the OS system disc, you will be criminally liable for any illegal installations you perform for them.

 

[Macro2]

Sounds like you're looking for the CD Key for 98'.
It's located in the registry. Is it a violation if I tell you how to find it?

Mac

 

[wojak]

And than how would I be able to check if the has the correct license for all of them? Should I go by the # of CD or license certificates he has?
What if he installed 10 PC from his friend?s CD but later bought license for the remaining 10?
Is he legal at that point, even though the first 10 ware installed with different key codes?

I guess I will have to give Microsoft a call tomorrow

Thanks for all the help

Robert

 

[Macro2]

People do lose their CD's. All the time. What matters is the key code. You can buy licenses with just that and install all off the same cd.
If you use your disk and the CD key that's already on the machine to do an reinstall I really don't know if that's a violation at all. How are you supposed to know what someone did before you? I'm not even sure you'd be liable.
That would be like making you into the police.
The idea that you want to install using their original keys seems better than using some other keys you might have.

 

[olds]

The person is asking for a code on an existing, running, machine. Lets give him/her the benefit of the doubt and assume that the request is legitimate. It's not like he/she could search his/her machine and come up with tons of illegal codes.

 

[Macro2]

Start>Run>type "regedit">enter

HKeyLocalMachine>software>microsoft>windows>current version (click on "current version" folder)

You'll see the product key

or if it's an OEM

Start>find>files or folders search for oeminfo.ini Product key is that file.

Dunno if this works for all Oses.


Mac

 

[wojak]

is there a similar way to find windwos 2000/xp/ or office keys ?

 

[Macro2]

You can find it for office by looking for office in the registry. At least you could for the older versions of office.
As for XP, I dunno...
Mac

 

[Macro2]

the office ID is in a folder call ProductID a couple layers deep in office in the registry...similar to above root.