Jaa

Lost product key: prevention

  • Artikkeli

A surprising number of readers hit my post on John's lost product key problem. So when I came across an article in MCP Magazine on how to find out the product keys in use on a computer, I did a test drive on the tool for you.

Don Jones, in "Finding the Keys to Your Computers", writes about NirSoft's freeware ProduKey. I downloaded the zip file (contains an .exe, a .chm, and a ReadMe). I ran the .exe and instantly (or near enough as) a window displayed product IDs and keys for my installations of Windows, Office, OneNote, and even Internet Explorer. I didn't know Internet Explorer had its own product key. Saved and printed. I even confirmed the product keys against my software cases.

Now, this won't help you much if you've crashed and have to rebuild -- that's why I titled this prevention. Do you know where all the envelopes and boxes with your product keys are? Are you sure you've accounted for them all? Perhaps you have multiple computers in your household -- do you know which Windows XP CD goes with which computer? Are you the troubleshooter for your parents' computer and do they have all their keys?

So, a handy tool to run on all of your computers just in case someday (may it never come), you have to do an emergency rebuild. And if you've read this far, please read the next paragraph.

I know I have the disclaimer on this site, but I want to emphasize that I'm not recommending this tool on behalf of Microsoft. My virus scanner had no issues with the files; my firewall didn't blink when I ran the tool; I had good results and no problems; it was recommended by a reputable professional publication. However, you should always be cautious about downloading software from the Internet.

Comments

  • Anonymous
    May 01, 2006
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