finding win2k/xp product key

[mjpuczko 0]

how do i find my win2k/xp product key? i have about 3-4 computers at work where i need to get their product key to make sure we still have their original dell documentation. thanks.

[ReadError 0]

goto System properties (windows+pause), you should see the key in the middle

[mjpuczko 0]

right clicking on my computer then properties & the key in the middle, with OEM? i didn't think that was it.

[ross_aveling 0]

The number that is displayed in System properties is a product ID number that gets generated from the original product key when you install windows.

 

To find out the actual license key (ie xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx) you can use the 'Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder' wish should give you what you are after.

 

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

[mjpuczko 0]

thanks, that program worked great!! just what i needed.

[mjpuczko 0]

on a related note, is there a way to find when the pc was setup? i.e. what date the pc was initially setup?

[ross_aveling 0]

Well, I'm pretty sure that Windows creates a few files in the root of the system drive when it is installed. If I remember correctly the main one is SETUPLOG.TXT. You can check the date stamp if the file hasn't since been deleted.

 

Also, as long as the BOOT.INI file hasn't been altered since installation you can also check the date on that as well.

[ReadError 0]

you can look in the registry this key

 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CurrentVersion

 

value of InstallDate

 

it's the number of seconds since 1 january 1970

[adamvjackson 0]

A few other solutions here...

 

AIDA32 can find the product keys for many installed programs, also freeware, and updated frequently.

 

As for the install date, you could always right click on C:\WINNT or C:\WINDOWS, choose properties, and look at the create date...

 

Works like a charm.