How to Recover the Windows CD Key

You need the CD key to install Windows.

To successfully install or re-install any version of Microsoft Windows, you must verify ownership by entering the unique 25-character CD key, also known as a product key, assigned to your copy of Windows. If you lose your CD key, you can recover it from your computer's registry or the Windows installation CD, depending on the version of Windows you have. For newer versions of Windows such as Vista or Windows 7, the key is encrypted in the registry, so you must recover a lost key with third-party software specifically designed to extract product keys. If you have an older version of Windows such as XP, NT, 2000 or 98, you can recover your CD Key by accessing the "unattend.txt" file stored on your Windows installation CD.

Instructions

Windows XP, NT, 2000 or 98

1. Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. Exit the installation menu if your computer runs the CD automatically.

2. Activate your computer's option to view hidden files and folders. Click "Start" and select "Control Panel." Double-click "Folder Options" and choose the "View" tab in the popup menu. Click "Show hidden files and folders" under "Advanced Settings" and the click "Apply" button at the bottom of the menu. Close the Control Panel.

3. Right-click "Start" and select "Explore" from the popup menu to open Windows Explorer. Double-click the icon for the CD or DVD-ROM drive containing your Windows CD in the left side of the window.

4. Open the folder labeled "USWXP32P_ZX" in the right window of Explorer and access the subfolder labeled "sysprep."

5. Open the "unattend.txt" file and copy down the product key, which is located in the pop-up window containing the file information.

Windows Vista or Windows 7

1. Download and install a free key-finder program that supports your version of Windows from a shareware site such as CNET or MagicalJellyBean.com.

2. Launch the program and follow all onscreen instructions.

3. Copy down your product key when the program provides it to you and store the product key in a safe place.

Tips & Warnings

• If you lose your CD key, Microsoft will issue a replacement for a fee, but it will not tell you the original CD key.

• Key finders do not have a 100 percent success rate. If you cannot recover your product key with a key-finder program, or if your computer crashes and you need to re-install Windows without the product key, you must call Microsoft and purchase a replacement key or buy a new copy of Windows.

References

• Microsoft: Product Key Support

Resources

• CNET: Free Key Finders
• MagicalJellyBean: KeyFinder