Win2000 product key

I believe this info is encrypted, but I was wondering if there is a way to find the product key in the registry for Win2000 like there is for Win9x and XP.

Thanks much!

wildlife

 

isn't the number you are looking for the 20 digit code that shows up in My Computer Properties under the Registered To section?

 

LMBO.... that could just well be it...

thanks Randy... I'll try it...

*rather embarassed now*
*sheepish grin*
-

 

Yes, your product key is the 20 digit number in the system properties.. this is *not* the install product ID, the product ID was either on an orange sticker on the back of the jewel case ( for retail ) or on a certificate of authenticity sticker on the computer, or on the front of the windows 2k manual ( oem ) ...do not assume that you will be able to install 2k from the 20 digit key, you will need a five segment 25 digit key that is alphanumeric ( RPV46-FJKCX-342fx, blah blah blah, if you don't have that key, and you have an original CD and jewel case, MS will take the coding on the inside ring of the original CD and the cd set on the back of the jewel case as proof of purchase and provide you with another key in most cases

 

Thank you VERY much... this is exactly the info I was looking for.

Regards,
Wildlife

 

I never knew that, thanks.

 

Just to summarize this for anyone else reading this .....

The number listed under System Properties is a "Product ID" number. That's not the number you need to install Windows from a CD.

The number you need to install Windows from CD is called a "Product Key". They're two completely different numbers.

 

If you want to recover the original 25 character CD key from a working installation, this little program does the trick.

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder

 

I figured there was a difference, but I only have a promo install of Win2k, so couldn't tell you about the Product Key, as my version didn't require it for installation.

That is the reason why my response to you came out as a question, as opposed to a definitive.

Sorry for the misleading quality of my response!!