Where Is That Darn Windows Key?

All Windows version requires that you enter a 25 character key (alphanumeric product key) as you install it. The Windows Product Key (also known as a CD key, the license key or just the serial number) can be found on your installation disc package or on a sticker on the case of your PC.

What happens if you just can't locate your product key and you just can't read those Windows product key stickers that manufacturer stick on a computer side because they are too small to ready - and why is it that most manufacturers are printing their production information, such as serial number, model number, etc... too small to read unless you have a magnifier glass handy?. There are few third-party tools that can help you locate your Windows product key from within Windows. The one we use and recommend is a freebie one called Keyfinder, from Magical Jelly Bean.

The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is a freeware utility that retrieves your Product Key (cd key) used to install windows from your registry. It also has a community-updated configuration file that retrieves product keys for many other applications. Another feature is the ability to retrieve product keys from unbootable Windows installations.

KEYFINDER SPECS

• Price: Free
• Operating System Supported: Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Millenium, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, windows Vista, Windows 7 and Linux.
• Work for: Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Millenium, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, windows Vista, Windows 7, Linux, Office XP, Office 2003, Office 2007, and Office 2010.

INSTALLATION

The installation and use of Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is very easy, just:

• Download Magical Jelly Bean
• Unzip the downloaded file
• Run Keyfinder.exe

FEATURES

1. Open Source – This means that it can be trusted. The Keyfinder does not contain trojans or “phone home” messages. No spam, spyware, viruses, or trojans.
2. An optional config file – this functionality lets you pull a key stored in the registry for any software. A sample config file is included in the zip and can be seen here: keyfinder.cfg
3. Command line options – /save /savecsv /close /hive /file
4. Load Hive option – allows you to load the registry hive of another Windows installation. To use, put the hard drive in a working machine (must also be Windows 2000,XP or Vista) or use Windows PE (not tested, should work) and click Load Hive. Then point it to the dead Windows install. If you’re using Windows Vista, Administrator rights are required for this feature. You may have to right click on the Keyfinder and run as Administrator.
5. Improved Save & Print! – save & print options will now include all keys. Save is also available in text or CSV.

Note: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder Specs, Installation, Screenshot and Features information were extracted from Magical Jelly Bean's download page.

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By: Amor A.
Computer Repair of Reading | Amorca Computer and Web Solutions