How to extract Windows key?

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Want to rebuild existing XP Pro SP3 system. Unfortunately I lost track of the Windows key. Is there some way to extract it from the current install, before I wipe the disk? (I built the computer myself so I don’t have a sticker on the case.)

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Want to rebuild existing XP Pro SP3 system. Unfortunately I lost track of the Windows key. Is there some way to extract it from the current install, before I wipe the disk? (I built the computer myself so I don’t have a sticker on the case.)

System Information for Windows or the Belarc Advisor will get that information for you.

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Want to rebuild existing XP Pro SP3 system. Unfortunately I lost track of the Windows key. Is there some way to extract it from the current install, before I wipe the disk? (I built the computer myself so I don’t have a sticker on the case.)

Another good utility is NirSoft’s ProduKey – but note the Known Problems.
Also, Magic JellyBean KeyFinder is often suggested.

Perhaps try all suggested utilities, to be sure?

(I did, and they all gave the same results – but of the Dell ‘master key’ originally used to install this and many thousands of other Dell PCs! This is different from the PC-specific one on the holographic sticker on the side of the case, which is the one that needs to be used if I have to do a reinstall. Beware that HP PCs may also exhibit this difference.

If you built the PC yourself, then no problem!)

BATcher

Plethora means a lot to me.

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Here in the US, if one was to use the System Recover (Back to Factory Settings) NO code key is needed!

I am NOT sure about at places across the waters.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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Dave

I think there’s a distinction between a complete reinstall and system recovery back to factory settings. The correct Windows key is needed for the first; I have no idea about the second, never having done it!

BATcher

Plethora means a lot to me.

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A sytem recover will be a “Clean Complete ReInstall” as it will wipe the disk clean and start from scratch.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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