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Windows Vista Activation Key

Hi, My Operating System has become corrupt so Windows won't load on my laptop. I have Windows Vista. I can go into my HD to get my data. However, where do I go on my HD get the activation key because the sticker has peeled off my laptop.

Thanks.

SOLUTION

Tomislavj

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rindi

If you have an XP install CD then make a UBCD4Win with it and your PC with the CD. Then look for the SIW utility on that CD and run the remote or offline version of it (there are two versions and I don't remember the exact name). With it you can search for the activation keys of your installation if that info is still available on the corrupt HD:

http://ubcd4win.com

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

brettkm

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SOLUTION

☠ MASQ ☠

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ftsos

ASKER

Hi Guys,

I am accessing the Hard Disk via USB HD adapter. Will produkey be able to extract the key like that?

brettkm

Yep. Go to File > Select Source and and try the second or third option. Either one should work, if not just pick whichever one gets you the key.

☠ MASQ ☠

Yes, run it from a command line with the switch /external to get it to search system partitons that are attached via USB

See the instructions on the product home page
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

ftsos

ASKER

I am a beginner, if my USB HD was on E, what command would I need to run?

brettkm

Try the second option in File | Select Source then click OK. If it works it will list the product key. Or try the third option and browse to e:\Windows.

☠ MASQ ☠

As a beginner, download the version with the installer.
Run it, at the end of the install ProduKey will run
On the main window choose File > Select Source (F9)
Choose "Load the product keys from external Windows directory"
Use Browse to get to the E:\Windows folder
Click OK
Window will refresh with the Product Keys for the drive you selected

☠ MASQ ☠

Sorry Brett, I'll back out ;)

ftsos

ASKER

Thanks Brett, the second option worked.