recover Cd Prod Key from PC that wont reboot

[ddickers]

I have a PC that won't reboot and I need to recover the cd prod key so that I can run a repair.

Thanks
Don

 

[jlockley]

A conundrum. I think your best bet is to try to get in from another computer. Otherwise try windows restore, which I don't think requires a key.

In future let me suggest getting a copy of Belarc Advisor (I am sure there are more, but it works very nicely) and running it now and then for a printable record of most keys and codes. It's free. Just google it.

 

[ddickers]

I am repairing a customer's PC, so I don't have any past records.

I am able to boot the PC with a Bart PE, and I already performed a restore point to an earlier date with no joy. I was hoping that someone would know of a way that I can locate and ID the prod key either from the registry or someplace else. Jellybean I don't think would work, because the PC is booted from a BartPE CD.

Any other thoughts would be great!
Thanks

 

[tlcscousin]

Install the add on module to the bart PEcd for the keyfinder.

http://www.bootcd.us/BartPE_Plugin_Details/262/Keyfinder-pe-Plugin.html

I have used the keyfinder from a bartpecd before and as long as the drive is not to bad a shape have had pretty good luck getting the key off the non booting computer.

 

[linney]

Anything written on any label on the computer tower itself?

 

[ddickers]

The label on this PC is a label for XP Home edition, and it has previously been updated to XP Pro.

I have a bartPE cd with keyfinder installed on it, I believe, but in the past, it never returned the key, but I will try it again.

Thanks

 

[wolluf]

Silly question - but why hasn't your customer made a note of CD key - or even, if it was legit upgrade, why no XP Pro sticker on the machine too?

 

[firewolfrl]

if you can read the registry....you can get the key
this program will read the raw hash in the registry and convert it to the product ID key

http://www.alphacomps.com/tools/keyviewer/keyviewer.php#DigitalProductId

the instructions are on the site

 

[ddickers]

Thanks firewolf!
I have already given up this time and did a clean install on this laptop, but I will play around with the utility that you sent me to. There will always be another time!