How to Get a CD Key Off of a Windows XP SP2 CD

Using a computer

During the final stage of installing Windows, you will be prompted to enter a key, which will "register" the operating system. Without this key, certain features of Windows XP will be locked, and you will receive persistent notifications and reminders to register the operating system. If you have accidentally discarded the registration key, you can retrieve it from your Windows XP installation CD.

Things You'll Need

• Windows installation CD

Instructions

1. Insert the Windows installation CD into your computer while the unregistered version of Windows is loaded. Do not restart your computer, as this will cause it to boot from the CD rather than the hard drive.

2. Go to "My Computer" and open the CD to view its contents. Do not "Run" the CD. Find the folder named "i386."

3. Double click on the "UNATTEND.txt" file and scroll all the way down to the bottom of the document. You should see a long code seperated by numbers and dashes. This is the installation code. Write it down, then double click on the key icon in the system tray to enter the key.

Tips & Warnings

• You can only use each key on up to three computers. After that, the key will be invalid, unless you have purchased an extended license.

References

• Techie Buzz: Get windows XP Key from CD