Product Keys??

aclane

Does anybody know if it possible to recover the product key from an OS CD without actually having it installed on a system.
Oh and without contacting Microsoft?

Probally a stupid question, but worth a try:rolleyes:

JackKelly

from what i know, your operating system isnt limited to one product key. Not that i approve , but search it on google.com. I think any key will work. (not sure though)

Saruman

I dont know of any product key for any software that is hard written to the particular cd!! They always follow a formula so thats what keygen's do... follow that formula.

On a side note... When you get an OS , you are not paying for a disk with an OS as such... i think legally you are paying for the licence to install it. In other words you are paying for the product key either the cert on manual or sticker on computer case. Either way thats it. The disk does not matter, you can use another disk if you like. Point is, you have lost what you payed for... even though you have the disk! So you are screwed... You will have to find one of those not so legal ones. we cant help you find it here though.

Webmonkey

Yep . The CD is jsut like any other cd - MS Have a system built in that will accept these product keys that have being produced by their system. So basically its the licence you are looking for :P The CD has no trace what so ever of a product key, u can use anoother product key on that cd 2 that belongs to another cd

aclane

Originally posted by Webmonkey
Yep . The CD is jsut like any other cd - MS Have a system built in that will accept these product keys that have being produced by their system. So basically its the licence you are looking for :P The CD has no trace what so ever of a product key, u can use anoother product key on that cd 2 that belongs to another cd

I tried using Keys from other CD's but it doesn't work either....

BoB_BoT

you're probably not using valid keys then. 1) make sure you're entering it properly. 2) make sure you're using the same operating system key, i.e. not using windows me key on windows 98.

Webmonkey

Originally posted by aclane
I tried using Keys from other CD's but it doesn't work either....

Yeah it should work with valid keys - no reason why it wouldn't. Just like Leggo said

Spunog UIE

i have a copy of office xp and which i was fairly sure that the product key was tied to the cd.

Webmonkey

Originally posted by Gideon
i have a copy of office xp and which i was fairly sure that the product key was tied to the cd.

No your wrong here, They have once again a formula but this time they store the product key on their servers and they will know if the key is used allready (When you activate) I doubt they will make every single cd have a unique product key - No company will do this nor will they have the time to be writing unique cds


Gideon - Try using another Office XP cd and use your product key - works no bother as long as you havn't it activated allready or anything. I install Windows XP a lot and only use the one cd and use the product key off another. Ever wonder why you get Windows 98,XP or what ever cd when you buy a new PC and its not opened? :P I doubt the Store go rewraping the cd hehe

As allready said you pay for the licence not the CD

ozt9vdujny3srf

Of course they will have different cd keys :rolleyes: THere are millions of keys that fit in to their key system, anyways, if the disk you are using is from a manufacturer like say dell then you will have a tough time getting a key because none of the retail key's will work.

aclane

Originally posted by Truckle
Of course they will have different cd keys :rolleyes: THere are millions of keys that fit in to their key system, anyways, if the disk you are using is from a manufacturer like say dell then you will have a tough time getting a key because none of the retail key's will work.

That could be where I was going wrong, the CD's are from Compaq and from Fujisiu Siemens:(

astrofool

probably a different version. The upgrade uses different keys to the non-upgrade and the home edition uses different keys to professional

Webmonkey

Originally posted by aclane
That could be where I was going wrong, the CD's are from Compaq and from Fujisiu Siemens:(

Then they are probably using OEM/Corporate keys. I'm sure if you ring up Compaq they will give you the keys no problem