Help me get this XP key please!

carrot1401 · 18 Aug 2010 at 20:20

Ello, first post in this area

Received an Advent 7107 with a corrupt XP media centre 2005 OS on it. The sticker underneath has the product code underneath....except for the last 3 digits/letters. Have got the laptop hdd plugged in via usb, is there any way I can find out what those last 3 bits are? I have tried a method that involves reading the NTUSER.DAT file, but I keep getting a wierd 'A required priviledge is not held by the client' error. So, any ideas?!?!? Must be some way to access it!

Swordfish · 18 Aug 2010 at 20:22

Unless there has been a re-installation using the key on the COA, the key used on the machine will be different one. The one on the laptop will be one used by advent when they imaged the drive I believe.

You can use software such as produkey etc to read the key.

marmalade · 18 Aug 2010 at 20:59

If you use magic jelly bean it will give you the Serial/key write it down! Get it here:
http://majorgeeks.com/Magical_Jelly_Bean_Keyfinder_d2612.html

j.col · 18 Aug 2010 at 21:02

or belarc advisor gives you the serial from every program installed on pc.
http://download.cnet.com/Belarc-Advisor/3000-2094_4-10007277.html

carrot1401 · 18 Aug 2010 at 21:08

I cant boot into the OS, so things like magic jelly bean don't find it, thats the problem.

Cycrow · 18 Aug 2010 at 21:20

have u tryed to do a repair install of the OS ?
shouldn't need the key then as it'll use the one already on the pc

carrot1401 · 18 Aug 2010 at 21:23

Yep, didn't help...

Dano · 18 Aug 2010 at 21:47

You can use the key recovery utility from nirsoft.com to read the key from a drive attached to a working machine, however as Swordfish pointed out unless the system has been re-installed at some point using the key on the base it will not match and the extracted key will be useless to you.

Do you have the recovery discs?

demonix · 19 Aug 2010 at 16:48

If the OS hasn't been re-installed since it was bought it then any attempt to retrieve the original key would be pointless as you can't activate a OS on a factory OEM image key (all the computers/laptops would come out of the factory with the same activation key which would be accepted for MS updates but not if you use a key finder and re-install the OS since the key is blocked from activating the OS on any computer).

siege2 · 19 Aug 2010 at 17:04

I wonder can u get in through safe mode?

marmalade · 19 Aug 2010 at 17:33

Maybee you have a recovery on board:
There are two ways to start the recovery -
Restart your computer. Then Press F10 repeatedly until the message "Starting
System Recovery" is displayed.
In Windows by clicking: Start / All Programs / System Recovery / System
Recovery.
The recovery will load and display a box with one option:
Non-destructive recovery: this option will restore Windows, supplied
applications, and drivers. This option will not destroy your documents or
programs. These will be backed up along with the registry. These are
restored at the end of the recovery process.
To access the recovery options below that erase all data from the computer,
click the Advanced button.
System Recovery - No format: this will reinstall Windows, supplied
applications and drivers. It will move your files to a folder called "My old
disk structure". Any applications (except those supplied) will need to be
reinstalled.
System Recovery - Quick format: this option will erase your hard drive
including your personal files. Windows, supplied applications and drivers
will be reinstalled.
Select the Non-destructive recovery option and press Next.
You will be informed about System Restore in Windows, click Yes.
The recovery will begin. Once this is complete click Restart.