How do I find the Windows CD Key from the CD?

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There are several programs out there freeware that you can run and get the xp key code. Microsoft office and internet explorer. One of them is winkeyfinder. Another is jelly bean magic. Just put them in search and follow the links for download

Ummm.......This article is wrong wrong wrong. The product key IS ON THE CD. It is in a folder name I386 and the name of the file is UNATTEND.txt.

Matt, 2/9 poster.. Thank you SO much. You saved me and your suggestion Worked!!! I am so glad that people are not afraid to share their knowledge.

The 'key' in the folder will only get you through the first hurdle when installing Windows. However when it comes to veryifing online, it won't work.

Matt, thanx man, you are the only one who knows anything on here.

I have found a genuine xp disk and tried loading it using the number found in the text file, but it did not work and said the product ID is not valid, so I think the batch, or run number seems to be correct, so the cd is of no use, but thanks for the try anyway.

Leo is completely incorrect. Not all versions of the install disks are the same. There are MANY different disks, each meant for a specific distro. For example, if you have a legit key from an XP cd you purchased direct from the store, that key will not work with an OS purchased from dell. It will also not activate a system that was installed with a store bought copy of xp that has sp2. If you buy an XP sp2 install disk, it wont work with the origionals. There are also VLK copies, which wont work with retail keys. Sorry for the blatent post, but I found this article specifically because i am coding a program now to validate the serial key to a copy of xp BEFORE installing it, as in the IT field, we run across alot of installs where the customer has the license key, but not the origional content.

All XP Professional RETAIL Disks are the Same. All XP Home RETAIL Disks are the same. The OEM Disks (the ones you get when you buy a pc with Windows on in) are different for each manufacturer. The way OEM works is that the PC maker loads a special file with their OEM "Code" inside. If the "code" matches with your motherboards serial, RAM, Graphics Card, First HDD, First CD Drive, First Floppy (If Present), Memory Controller, Sound Card, Ethernet Card, then windows will install WITHOUT activation. However, if you change a single piece of your pc, windows will need to be activated as it is no longer an "original pre-built" pc.

Retail and VLK keys are also interchangeable and usable on the same CD. You people saying that the key inside UNATEND.txt is real are WRONG. Microsoft add the key so that businesses and PC manufacturers can perform mass installs with the same product key without having to activate. HOWEVER, the key becomes invalid 30 days after the OS was installed so a legitimate key then needs to be entered. The key is never on the disk; instead there is a non-reversable algorithm which checks if the key can be used. When you activate, Windows checks that it hasn't been used to many times.

In the case of Windows Vista, EVERY SINGLE DISK is EXACTLY the same, except, once again, for OEM Disks. All VLK and RETAIL disks are the same and contain EVERY version of Windows Vista.

Some people need to do more research. I know these things because I have my one Windows Keys and i also have a VLK license. I also create unattended and slipstreamed XP Disks.

Just wanted to offer a correction. The file unattend.txt is a sample configuration file for setting up an unattended installation. It contains sample data, including the product key. The XP installer would not accept this as a valid product key (Whistler version).

Leo i have to beg to differ with you about any xp cd will do it will not. i have tow legal copies of windows xp and you can't switch the numbers it says it's incorrect. i have a copy of xp that doesn't require a key or activation to work. when i reformat my computer is offline and therefore has no connection to the outside world so there is no way to see if it is a good key. it all has to do with looking for you to put in the correct string of letters and numbers and compare to whats on the DISK. i have Microsoft office 2003 that like xp requires a string of letters and numbers to continue installation. guess what the product key is on the disk there for comparison.
i have a program that compares two cd's and and shows the difference and there you have it the product keys for both xp cd's.

Till next time

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