Q: Is there a way I can get a product key from this CD? It is an OEM drive that I use MS, but I lost the map that came in was the product ID sticker. It is easier for me to have my discs on one shaft, but maybe Ill think some people!
Thanks in advance!
Best Answer: You cannot install Windows by simply copying files from one computer to another. It does not work this way technically. To install Windows, you will need an original installation disc or a recovery disc if supplied with your computer, there is no other way. If you do not own a copy of Windows, you will need to purchase a new license. Sorry.
Re:Originally posted by: guy
If in fact, the OP has a Legit, Genuine MS OS CD & it has the laser numbers etched on the hub label side,
then call MS … explain that you lost the sleeve with the Product ID & Serial # … they can verify the legality
of the cd by the numbers on the hub … if it is real, they will either give you the orignal codes or give you
new ones to install with
I always keep all program serial codes in a Seperate Folder on my hard drive … It is also a good idea
to make either a .doc in word or .txt in notepad … put all the info in there as well … then PRINT IT
and put it in a safe place
Yes, I do have the Legit, Genuine MS OS CD & it does indeed have the numbers engraved, though they are on the opposite side of the hologram side.
I'll give MS a call to see if I can get a key & this time try to keep track of it a little better. 
Re:If in fact, the OP has a Legit, Genuine MS OS CD & it has the laser numbers etched on the hub label side,
then call MS … explain that you lost the sleeve with the Product ID & Serial # … they can verify the legality
of the cd by the numbers on the hub … if it is real, they will either give you the orignal codes or give you
new ones to install with
I always keep all program serial codes in a Seperate Folder on my hard drive … It is also a good idea
to make either a .doc in word or .txt in notepad … put all the info in there as well … then PRINT IT
and put it in a safe place
Re:That makes sense! I remember when I had THREE Win98 SE upgrade CDs – all legit. They all had different Keys – and they were not interchangeable. (This sometimes caused installation confusion.)
In the hub area on the label side, are laser etched numbers, symbols and letters that can be read. Am looking at them now, and see AGP102, 97614A X04-12711 (RSN5) ++ '''' '''' (windows symbol) GENUINE (more symbols)
In order for any algorithm to recognize the bonafides of a key number, there has to be something etched or burned into the disk – these characters appear to be holographic laser burns.
Re:Originally posted by: jpbelauskas
Originally posted by: guy
The disc means nothing, it's not even proof that you ever had a product key. If you have a receipt or something like that you could try begging MS for a key, but I highly doubt they hand out keys to people that "swear" they bought a copy of Windows one time.
this is untrue. i lost the product key for my copy of xp pro. called Ms and they asked for a set of numbers and letters burned onto the disk itself. they were able to provide me with a brand new key after i verified whether itwas an oem version or retail version.
Good to know if anyone can confirm.
Re:Originally posted by: guy
The disc means nothing, it's not even proof that you ever had a product key. If you have a receipt or something like that you could try begging MS for a key, but I highly doubt they hand out keys to people that "swear" they bought a copy of Windows one time.
this is untrue. i lost the product key for my copy of xp pro. called Ms and they asked for a set of numbers and letters burned onto the disk itself. they were able to provide me with a brand new key after i verified whether itwas an oem version or retail version.
Re:There's a "top-secret" algorhythm that judges if the Key is a valid combination of letters and numbers. There are a zillion possible combinations, and only some of those are valid keys.
This isn't the same thing as Windows Product Activation. It only gives you 30 days before you have to Activate, where your Key is compared to Microsoft's databse and the final determination of validity is made. Note, however, that Volume License Keys aren't activated, so those aren't usually checked against the database. Except by Windows Genuine Advantage or by Service Packs, which have lists of compromised Volume License Keys.
Re:Just curious . . . if the Key ID is not somewhere in the CD, then how does the install program know when an incorrect one is put it?
Re:I have both AIDA32 & Belarc Advisor on my pc
Aida will give the Product Key (which is not the same as the reg key I refer to which is the Product ID)
Belarc will give both … the info in the Key I refered to & also the Product Key or Serial #
Note: The op only asked for the Product ID … not the License or install Serial #
Re:Originally posted by: guy
The Product ID will be in the following registry key: (if the os is currently installed)
H_KEY_LOCAL_MACHNE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion
I've never seen the original Product Key in that Registry area.
I use http://belarc.com to identify the Product Key for Windows and other software.
Also, legitmate OEM packages come with Microsoft COA stickers that should be attached to the computer. This will have the key.
Re:The Product ID will be in the following registry key: (if the os is currently installed)
H_KEY_LOCAL_MACHNE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion
Re:The disc means nothing, it's not even proof that you ever had a product key. If you have a receipt or something like that you could try begging MS for a key, but I highly doubt they hand out keys to people that "swear" they bought a copy of Windows one time.
Re:This particular disc has never been installed nor registered.
Re:There are utilities to pull the key from the registry. I don't have a link ATM, but if you google it you'll find one.
Re:Keys are never on the CD, youll have to get it from (if available) the current windows install, or possibly calling MS (did you register when you activated?)
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