NationStates Jolt Archive

Hey, I know you guys are all very knowledgeable, so here's my question:
How do I find the windows registry (product) key on xp? It's for a friends computer. (on the computer itself, that is)

I believe what you are looking for is found at:

My Computer > Control Panel > System > General

It should be listed under "Registered to".

I believe he's looking for the install key in the registry. I know it's there, I just don't quite know where.

I dunno really. Just run regedit and poke around till you find it.

Retrieve your XP Key (http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm). This link will tell you how as well as provide you with the software.

Also, don't listen to any of the previous advice, least of which poke around in your registry! If you don't know what you're doing and you change a registry value you could really mess up your PC.

I believe what you are looking for is found at:

My Computer > Control Panel > System > General

It should be listed under "Registered to".
Actually, no it wouldn't be.

Microsoft may be stupid, but not that stupid.

I believe he's looking for the install key in the registry. I know it's there, I just don't quite know where.
You know, you could do your research before you post technical advice.

I dunno really. Just run regedit and poke around till you find it.
I don't know about you, but, last I checked, it's not a good idea to poke around the registry until you find what you need because you might do something that would screw up your registry and subsequently screw up Windows functionality.

Ya, run regedit look around in your registry...

what I find helps is if you change a few values within the registry you'll usually end up finding the windows key.

Hope this helps.

;)

Ya, run regedit look around in your registry...

what I find helps is if you change a few values within the registry you'll usually end up finding the windows key.

Hope this helps.

;)
No, that WON'T help. Maybe you should have read more of the posts. Two people before you suggested using the registry. I say, bad idea! Use my method; it's safer - no poking around in the registry.

You know, you could do your research before you post technical advice.

I probably could, if I wasn't so damn lazy. But in my defense, it's not like I'm asking him to "poke around in the registry".

I probably could, if I wasn't so damn lazy. But in my defense, it's not like I'm asking him to "poke around in the registry".
No, but you're still suggesting it.

Listen to Kryozerkia
Here are some stories about what happens to computer illiterate people when they try to change stuff.

Best Story Ever

I work at an ISP in the United Kingdom. The most shocking call I received came from a student at a local college here. He had received a CD for an ISP from an American friend.

* Customer: "Hi there. I got this CD from an American, and he says that his ISP is better than mine because the calls are free. So can I install it?"
* Me: "Yes sir, that's your choice completely. But is this an American ISP? Because if so, I don't think it will work with your computer."
* Customer: "Listen, I happen to be a computer student. I know exactly what I'm doing, so don't insult my intelligence!" (click)

Ten minutes later, he called back, humbled.

* Customer: "My computer exploded."
* Me: "What!? How did that happen?"
* Customer: "Well, the CD didn't work. I couldn't get through to the ISP. So, I changed the computer to American power."

He'd changed the voltage switch while the computer was on, causing the power supply to explode.

Almost as Good
Customer: "I don't use DOS. What would happen if I deleted that directory?"

Have fun, just go to http://rinkworks.com/stupid/ for more good help desk stories.