Is There A Way To Extract A Product Key From The CD?

Question

Is There A Way To Extract A Product Key From The CD?

6 Answers

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Answer 1

Although there is a folder/file (I386/unattend.txt) on the CD, it does NOT contain the licensed Product Key issued with/on the CD package sticker. I have checked three different CD's, sp2 upgrade, sp2 oem full install, sp3 full install, and all three have the same product key in the file I386/unattend.txt. And it doesn't match any of the three package stickers. Also the I386/unattend.txt product key is refused as unauthorized for activation.

Answer 2

Keep onto Microsoft for the Product Key, They absolutely can provide the CD-Key based on the product number that can be found on the CD. I persisted when the repair option screwed me by demanding a cd-key (which I couldn't find) without offering any warning that repair could render my copy of windows useless, and eventually they took the Item number from the cd and generated a new cd-key in about 30 seconds..... I put it into the product activation window and presto.
Moral of the story, don't believe them when they say they can't help you if you don't have the product key, THEY CAN!

Answer 3

Yes there is a way to find the product key from the CD. Normally the product key can be found if you explore the CD. There would be a folder of Serial No or Product key in it. Different CDs have different product keys and that's the reason the new key is not working on the CD. You need to ask the CD from the seller to install Windows XP properly.

Answer 4

Hi I have a office home student how do I get the product key from the CD yeh stupid lost cover when moved from SA to Canada. Microsoft help are useless Why do we register product if they can't help retrieve product key. My computer hard drive crashed replaced with new hard drive.

Answer 5

Yes you can extract the cd key , try this >>>

If you have lost your Microsoft Windows XP/Windows Vista Serial key number then here are some solution to retrieve the serial number.For windows xp users if you have your original CD with you then Insert WINDOWS XP CD into the player and Just explore the cd to find a folder called i386 where you will have a file unattend.txt.Open the text file and you will find the CD serial key of your Windows Xp when you scroll to the bottom!

Answer 6

I do not believe that product codes are actually tied to the windows installation CDs. I have restored countless computers using the same CD but the correct code for the computer in question. You cannot use an install code from a win98 machine during an XP disk because there are format differences. If you are re-installing on a machine due to problems or upgrading , you can run SIW and capture codes for most Microsoft products. You can download SIW at -----
SIW.exe ---. If you have the code from a reseller, just select "Register by Telephone" and call Microsoft. Explain your situation and they will activate over the phone.