MS CD Keys lost.?

Question

I'm an IT professional, and often when I get to a client's place you'll find they lost a cd key for MS Office, or Windows, etc. I have to deal with this now, as their one workstation's HDD failed, and now has to be re Installed on another, but in their software packet I could only find the CDs for windows and Office, but no CD Keys, it is all original CDs, but no keys. Does anyone know of software to use to find the keys on these cds, I know these(especially Windows) are linked to the CDs, which means you should be able to get the key off the cd somehow.

I know this sound confusing, but any help would be appreciated.

gomakeme… Knows it all yet he doesn't provide any answer...?

Okey, sorry, I came right. BTW, OEM versions are key dependant, meaning you can't use any key with any CD! I contacted Microsoft, and they asked me to read off the numbers on the back of the CD (inner circle), and then provided me with the CD Key. Thanks for all the help though, especially those who actually helped instead of trying to be smart.

Answer 1

I have never seen a CD key just fall off the disk. Are you sure they do not have a site license? The media is written to take any key written for that type of media: the actual key is not written onto the CD media. If you use a counterfeit key to save them a few bucks you will be breaking the law and you can kiss your business goodbye.

Either they pay you for your time to try track down the software keys they lost or they buy new software.

Often the computer will have a tag with the OEM software key on it. If it doesn't you might be able to get the key from the manufacturer.

How to obtain a new product key for Office program setup
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823570

How to replace lost, broken, or missing Microsoft software or hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246/


If the hard disk was readable you could have extracted the keys off of it.

Keyfinder Thing 3.1.6
http://www.download.com/Keyfinder-Thing/3000-2094_4-10561260.html?tag=lst-0-1
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.51
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
XP CD Key Extractor 1.0.1
http://www.download.com/XP-CD-Key-Extractor/3640-2094_4-10518413.html

Answer 2

You want the truth, you shall have it.

All those keyfinders are for finding keys ALREADY INSTALLED on the PC. It won't read a CD and tell you what the key is. It doesn't work that way.

And frankly, if they don't have a system where they keep all the key numbers (in a notebook kept the CD's, as you really only need the license cards w/ the key numbers, and ONE copy of each CD) then perhaps you can start one for them.

Remember, you cannot provide them with additional keys. If they can't keep their own keys, that's their problem. You cannot help them pirate more stuff. You may end up being responsible for it.

Answer 3

You should know as a "professional" that you cannot read a key off a CD. That's the whole idea of needing both.
If your clients have lost a key, it's up to them to obtain another - perhaps they'll keep good records in future!

Answer 4

Download MS/Office on Microsoft Site then Install and enter your Product Key.

Answer 5

Download a program called Testdisk and let it scan your old hard disk. It can rebuild the MBR amongst other things. It should display all the folders and files as well.
http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk

Then (If the system re-boots OK, then use "Rock XP"
http://www.soft-ware.net/system/steuerung/tools/screen.asp?p04396

Good luck in your quest, as I have to do the same thing from time to time.

Answer 6

if thats true - then this site will find the key - so here you go - hope this helps

Answer 7

"I'm an IT professional"

Sure you are.