Win2000 Pro. Key #

[jadison]

Hello,
I just installed Win2000 Pro. on my computer, and I had the Special Key # that's on the back of the CD Jewel Case, the one u type in when u install the OS. Well, I've seem to misplace this CD case so now I don't have the # and I have to Install the OS on another computer. Where in Win2000 Pro. does it list that Special Key# so I can use it when installing on the other computer?

Help would be appreciated!

Thanks

-=jd=-

[howste]

I know someone who claims to have gotten a Win95 code from the CD using PC Tools, doing a sector search or something or other. I was never able to verify that it was possible.

My personal belief is that there is no individual serial number burned into each disk because the cost of doing it would be too high. I think that any serial number from the same product will work.

That being said, I've (clearing throat) heard that there are sites on the internet which list serial numbers for products which you can use (for strictly legal purposes) if you lost yours. A place to start might be **deleted**.

Steve, that's a notorious warez/crack site- not allowed. -socalgal

Good luck, http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

Steve

[This message has been edited by socalgal (edited 06-27-2000).]

Disclaimer - I am NOT a proponent of warez/cracks. While searching for LEGAL utilities for LEGAL purposes (like when someone passwords me out of my own systems) that was the only place I've found what I needed a few times. Warez/cracks are EVIL!

Thanks for the head-slicing, Xena!

[This message has been edited by howste (edited 06-27-2000).]

[drizzle]

I know the CD-Key for both Win95 & Win98 can be gotten out of the registry.

It is here in this key...
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\ProductKey

I'm not sure if Win2K has this in the registry as well, but I do hope this helps you.

[oblivion]

jad,mail me if you are still having problems

[jadison]

Hey drizzle, thanks for the registry info., I was thinking it was in the registry, I just didn't have time to look for it. I tried it in Win98, now I'll just boot into 2000 and check to see if it works their also.

-=jd=-

[jadison]

Oblivion--sent u an email, btw, send your reply to neo_jadison@hotmail.com

thanks

-=jd=-

[socalgal]

Anytime, howste http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif -Xena

[CMonster]

I have two legal copies of Win2K pro (one is my sons -courtesy of Earthweb's contest) - when I get around to installing W2k on a machine I wonder if I should try crossing the serial numbers .. just to see if it works..?

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif BTW - I know someone who downloaded a crack for Norton AV (or was it the utilities?) and mysteriously their CDROM quit working properly http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif But it turned out for the better - it put them on an upgrade track that has no end in sight http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif "... dare's somthing bery skwooie going on here.."



[This message has been edited by CMonster (edited 06-28-2000).]

[Stan]

Yep, keys are not CD bound to a particular CD.
At work, I am always using the same key and I have more than 10 Win 2000 CD... no problem...

Stan

[psyklone]

the keys are interchangeable. they are based off of an algorithm-per-os version. there is a program that the ms customer service reps use that is specifically for generating product ids and if for some reason (in cases of some oem os versions) those generated keys don't work then there are bypass keys that work most of the time.

[ctaylor]

I agree.

I have perhaps 80 Win95 machines here where I have gone into the registry and changed the product key to read one of the product ID numbers which is floating around in my head. I also have well over 100 installations of MS Office with an identical CD-KEY number on each installation.

Technically this might be considered breaking the rules or licensing, but I also have a file cabinet full of actual licenses for the number of actual installations. If I ever get audited this should cover me quite well while simplifying administration.

I find that it is really helpfull to be able to get into a bad machine or reinstall a corrupted software product without having to go searching through way too many product ID numbers/CD-keys. This is especially annoying when the software makes a registry entry and refuses to let you reinstall without having the same CD-KEY number that was used in the original installation.

[Rmaker]

Hey Jadison check your mail
Good luck

[Thanz]

I wonder if there is a standard activation key for Win2K like MSOffice does and the other MS products...(only 1 key for all?).

[jadison]

Thanks Rmaker, I got the mail, I'll let u know soon.

Thanz: I'm sure Microsoft has their "back doors" to get into their own OS, besides the Product Key or serial #.
I'll be getting some info. from the inside about that so I'll know for sure then.

-=jd=-

[DrCorvette]

You guys never cease to amaze me. Ctaylor, U R Da Man. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif And the next time somebody whines that they need the help of some "ultimite" member I'll, I'll,,,, uhh I forgot. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gifDrVette

[Thanz]

-=jd=-: yeah.. i'm searching for that too... and i hope u can find one. u know that it will be a great help for us.


[This message has been edited by Thanz (edited 06-29-2000).]

[buddmann]

I found where the Registration key is located.
Where "C" is where OS is installed go to:
C>WINNT>system32 and you'll see an information file at the end of the foders in this directory named $winnt$ you can open it in notepad and it shows you the key # in product id =
Hope this helps you out jad

buddmann