Extraction of Windows Key from External HDD

[Ben Cole]

Have sorted out a friends laptop. The HDD was starting to fail but still works for short periods.

I've put in a new HDD with a fresh install of windows. However the product key sticker has had the product key worn off. How can I extract the key from the drive in an external caddy to use in the new install?

I used the correct media and everything is legal.

 

[Nymins]

You'll probably need to put the hard drive back in and boot into windows again.

You can run a program like : http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

 

[meandu229]

You can use Magic Jellybean program.

Instructions here.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Find-Windows-Product-Key-on-secondary-drive/

 

[adolf hamster]

is it not written near the bottom in the system section of control panel? at least thats where i've been able to find it on 7 and 8.1. you'll need to boot into the old hdd though

 

[apatia77]

You'll probably need to put the hard drive back in and boot into windows again.

You can run a program like : http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

+1

This is what you need.

 

[Dano]

No need to boot from the drive at all, both mjb and the nirsoft utility will allow you to look for a key in an external hive.

 

[Ben Cole]

Thanks all, will give it a try.

 

[wazza300]

try magical jellybean program