how to find product key on cd

[dmac]

this may be old news to some, but its new to me. I have tested this on 5
windows disks (ME, XP Home, XP Pro, Server 2003 Standard and Enterprise) and
was able to find the key on all of them. I just searched the disk for .txt
files and every one of them had an unattend.txt setup text file with the
key # in it. just make sure you search hidden folder and files.

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dmac
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Ati 9800pro 256
P4 2.8 @ 3.1 1gb ddr466
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[NoNoBadDog!]

That is simply an admin setup key...just try to register online with that
key and see how far you get. The discs are mass produced by a disc
replicator...do you honestly believe each disc is unique and has a unique
key?????
For clarification...the key in the unattended setup file is a key that will
allow a network install on a network in which a valid volume license is
applicable. On a stand alone machine, that number would be invalid when one
tried to activate via the internet.

Bobby'

 

[dmac]

the numbers worked on xp pro, server 2003 standard and enterprise. they also
matched the key that is on the cd case.

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dmac
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Ati 9800pro 256
P4 2.8 @ 3.1 1gb ddr466
twin seagate 120 sata raid 0

 

[hawk]

I just checked my WinXP Home CD and the Product Key in the
unattend.txt file is NOT the Product Key on the COA.

Regards, hawk

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

You are, to put it simply, WRONG!

Bobby

the numbers worked on xp pro, server 2003 standard and enterprise. they
also
matched the key that is on the cd case.

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dmac
(e-mail address removed)
remove 1 to mail
Ati 9800pro 256
P4 2.8 @ 3.1 1gb ddr466
twin seagate 120 sata raid 0

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

Are you trying to tell the world that every Windows disk is unique? That a
unique key is embedded on each and every disk? If you believe that, then I
would like to talk to you offline about a bridge that I have for sale...

Bobby

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You need to look again;
The CDs are not unique, however the Product Keys are.
A quick check here proved what was already known.

However there may be adifference if you have burned CDs or possible
Volume License CDs.
But that is not the case for retail CDs.

 

[dmac]

I am just saying what's on my disks. maybe because that were dell oem disks
that made a difference (xp home and pro) but I don't do.
so you are saying every xp disk uses the same key?

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dmac
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Ati 9800pro 256
P4 2.8 @ 3.1 1gb ddr466
twin seagate 120 sata raid 0

 

[dmac]

and no matter what, if you lose the case that # would work to allow install
then you can call and activate.
like I said, the #'s worked for me on activation 5 times w/o calling or a
license.

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dmac
(e-mail address removed)
remove 1 to mail
Ati 9800pro 256
P4 2.8 @ 3.1 1gb ddr466
twin seagate 120 sata raid 0

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

No, I am NOT saying every XP disk uses the same key. YOU are saying that
every XP disc uses the same key. Did you read my post about the unattended
net install option? The key on the disk and the key on the COA and sticker
DO NOT match. The number in the text file is a number that will allow an
unattended net install using volume licensing. It WILL NOT, and again I say
it WILL NOT serve as a key for a stand alone activation. You are wrong.
You cannot convince anyone otherwise, except perhaps yourself. I guess you
are just not man enough to admit that you were wrong.

Bobby

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

You are WRONG. Just be man enough to admit that you made a mistake.

Bobby

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

In my possession, I have 2 Full version WinXP, 2 OEM version XP, 2 Full
version WinMe, 1 Full version Server 2003, 2 Full version Win98, Two upgrade
version of Win98, and one OEM version of Win98. None of the keys in the txt
file matched the key that attached to the outside of the disc (no surprise
there).

When I get into work, I will verify with the discs that I have there, but
the outcome is certain...The keys in the txt file will not match what is
either attached to the packaging, nor will it match the keys that were in
the volume licenses.

No further input from you is required. As you are wrong, and seemingly
unable to admit that you made a mistake, all future posts from you will be
ignored by me.

Bobby

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

The full story comes out.
The little detail of OEM is the most important fact you overlooked.
OEM are not retail and the OEMs generally do not require activation.
Dell do not require activation.
Now everything is clear with the OEM revelation.

 

[dmac]

mine needed activation after reinstall.
no matter, my # on cases matched txt file and allowed me to activate both xp
and server os yesterday when I was experimenting with home networking
setups.
if thats not the same with everyone oh well.
thought I was providing some help for someone that loses cd case and # to
allow then to at least install and call to activate.
didn't know it was going to drive someone into an apoplectic fit and allow
them to show off their self effacing and infantile personality.
I'm done with it.

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dmac
(e-mail address removed)
remove 1 to mail
Ati 9800pro 256
P4 2.8 @ 3.1 1gb ddr466
twin seagate 120 sata raid 0

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Next time you post something that seems so unusual, you would be
better off to post all the facts.
Simply leaving the major detail of OEM makes all the difference in
this case.

 

[dmac]

well the server 2003 and windows me were not oem, they were purchased
separately.

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dmac
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remove 1 to mail
Ati 9800pro 256
P4 2.8 @ 3.1 1gb ddr466
twin seagate 120 sata raid 0

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

They may not be OEM, but they are also not retail if the Product Key
matches the sticker on the package.

 

[dmac]

server 2003 bought from microsoft and windows me full version bought at best
buy.

--
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dmac
(e-mail address removed)
remove 1 to mail
Ati 9800pro 256
P4 2.8 @ 3.1 1gb ddr466
twin seagate 120 sata raid 0

They may not be OEM, but they are also not retail if the Product Key
matches the sticker on the package.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Best Buy and others sell OEM as well as retail.
Buying from a retail store does not guarantee retail.
There are product from Microsoft that are neither retail or OEM.
Receiving a products from Microsoft does not assure retail.

If your is retail, the Product Key is not on the CD.
The CDs are not unique for retail.
That is why any identical CD will work if your retail is lost, damaged
etc.
If the CD was unique, this would not work...it works.

Either you are mistaken or these products are OEM, Volume License or
another of the possible non retail options.

 

[hawk]

You are full of shit!! OEMs do require activation. What bridge did you
crawl out from under?