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tecboy
July 16th, 2001, 10:55 PM
Hey I know how to find the Key within the registry, but how would I go about finding it on the CD. To verify that they have the right
copy per machine.
Danger
July 16th, 2001, 11:44 PM
I'm guessing you are talking about the windows keycode, and I don't think any one key is contained on each cd. Although I've never really looked. I always assumed that the cd had a cipher program or database that it checked the keycode against, just to verify that the keycode used is an acceptable one. But I could definetely be wrong. If so, someone please post where to find the keycode on the cd, so I can verify that it goes with the machine it's installed on!!! I'd be interested in that as too. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">
wholeeo
July 17th, 2001, 06:09 AM
I have 2 copies of windows of win98se, and I can use either code for either one. I have even tried a buddies just to see if it worked. Doubtful if it is contained on the disc as one single key.
Archer
July 17th, 2001, 07:38 AM
From what I`ve seen elsewhere there are several versions of each edition of windows and the keys are contained in an encrypted file on the disc,so all keys will not work with all editions.I have not seen a solution to checking you individual licence key against the CD so far and I d`ont think this would be a suitable topic for this forum.
MacGyver
July 17th, 2001, 07:42 AM
The "CD Key" or serial number is NOT recorded anywhere on the CD. Every install CD of a particular software release that comes out of the Microsoft CD factory is identical.

In order to be legally licensed, you must posess the certificate of authenticity (http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/howtotell/how/coa.asp) (COA) with the serial number on it. Unless you have one of the hologram CD's with the serial number printed on it, the COA is the only thing that matters. Having an original CD from MS isn't enough proof of ownership.

The COA can be found in one of several places. Glued to the front cover of the Windows manual, in the form of a sticker on the side of the PC case. Older versions of MS products have tamperproof stickers on the side of the retail box with the CD key printed on the cardboard CD sleeve or on the back of the CD jewel case.