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Hello all, this is a question about what Windows XP Pro system file have the product key.
I remember when I lost my serial number/product key in Win95/98, I edited the system file "system.dat" and found there the serial number.Now I wish to know, What Win XP system file I should edit to find the product key?
(In Win 95, the serial number have the format: nnnnn_OEM_nnnnnnn_nnnnn
In Win 98 and after, the product key have the format: nnnnn_nnnnn_nnnnn_nnnnn_nnnnn, 5 digits in 5 group.The product key is different from the product ID, which is what we see in
Control Panel/System.)

The easiest way is to use the Magical Jellybean program available at;
http://pcsupport.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=pcsupport&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.magicaljellybean.com%2Fkeyfinder.shtml

I think it's in the registry.
But it's not in "plain"; in other words, it's encrypted/scrambled.
So try:
If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.M2

Leagally it should be on a sticker on the side of your case ...
IT IS THERE ISN'T IT ?
No it is not! I usually buy the retail version of XP pro, and I have no sticker on any machines that I have built. I did not put the sticker on the one that I bought an OEM version for either.

Doesn't matter whether it's OEM or retail, you still get the COA sticker to attach to the box. There are corporate versions which don't get the COA but if you're not a legitimate user then you're not entitled to legally use the copy. If you have a system without a COA then it begs the question of 'is it legal?'
"I know that I'm mad, I've always been mad"

There are rules that govern computing.net.
Offensive posts or requests for cracks, keycodes, copyrighted software, etc.
It appears that johnr is just trying to keep things legitimate and help out while doing so.

Why folks do not put a label on their (legit) CD (be it an OS/application/util) with the necessary details is beyond me...; means if they have the (legit) CD they have the number(s) whenever required...

Yes, trvlr, of all the mistakes I've made, I've learned a couple of things.
When I open new software, the first thing I do is write the product key in several places--in the manual, on the cd, and on the cd case.
Then, I figure a way to PROTECT THAT VALUABLE HARD TO REPLACE CD at all costs.
Last, I make a backup copy (or two) and put the product key on THOSE, too.

Thank you all.
Your right, the best solution is write the product key in several places, but if you try to help someone else maybe that person not take thhis prevention. Magic Jelly Bean is a solution then.
I only wished to know is if possible to do the same like in Win95/98 (edit the 'system.dat').
Again, thank you all.

i have a software which finds the XP key.
try it.
u can download it at the link provided below.http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RPYMZ1LS

Hi transporter25,
That produced what appears to resemble a key, it certainly isn't mine though.
Best Regards and Wishes,
Mesich, Webmaster of mesich.com
Currently stored on a temporary webhost.

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