finding win2k/xp product key

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. .

Everything New Technology 1823 This topic was started by mjpuczko, 2003-11-24 16:00

Discussion 8

mjpuczko

57 Posts
Location -
Joined 2002-09-03

#117738

2003-11-24 17:00

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.

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Responses to this topic

ReadError

80 Posts
Location -
Joined 2003-06-27

#117739

2003-11-24 17:03

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

mjpuczko

57 Posts
Location -
Joined 2002-09-03

#117740

2003-11-24 17:12

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

ross_aveling

250 Posts
Location -
Joined 2003-02-26

#117741

2003-11-24 17:14

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

57 Posts
Location -
Joined 2002-09-03

#117742

2003-11-24 17:26

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

mjpuczko

57 Posts
Location -
Joined 2002-09-03

#117743

2003-11-24 17:49

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

250 Posts
Location -
Joined 2003-02-26

#117744

2003-11-24 18:16

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

80 Posts
Location -
Joined 2003-06-27

#117745

2003-11-24 21:46

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

2172 Posts
Location -
Joined 2002-08-26

#117746

2003-11-26 06:29

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.