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How do I find out which product key was used to activate Windows?

I'm running Windows Vista now my Laptop came pre-installed with Vista and I have always used the recovery discs to format my system but I want to use a standard copy of vista and I no longer have my key, it rubbed off the bottom of my laptop so i removed it. Is there anyway i can get the key that my recovery discs use and will that be okay with a standard copy of vista home premium like the recovery discs install?

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  • The serial tag here refers to serial ports, not serial numbers.
    – Joel Coehoorn
    Commented Oct 8, 2010 at 17:52
  • well it wouldn't let me use product key
    – Arch Angel
    Commented Oct 8, 2010 at 17:53
  • On a note i found an old program thanks everyone but I have a windows product key and a windows default product key. Can i use them for a retail disc?
    – Arch Angel
    Commented Oct 8, 2010 at 18:07

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Belarc Advisor.

Download, install, run it, then it opens a page in your web browser displaying all kinds of facts and statistics about your PC...near the bottom, it has all the product keys, etc for all the install software, and, of course, the operating system...Hope that helps!

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  • thanks, but my main query now is will the serial key work on a standard copy of Win Vista 32bit because it will be the code my recovery discs install
    – Arch Angel
    Commented Oct 8, 2010 at 17:51
  • yes, it should...if the key does not work, you can always call Microsoft and tell them the situation (that you are reinstalling Windows, and want to reuse the key, correct?)
    – studiohack
    Commented Oct 8, 2010 at 18:46
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    The key probably will NOT work with retail Windows Vista. OEM licenses (what computer makers buy) generally don't use keys that are compatible with retail purchases.
    – CarlF
    Commented Oct 8, 2010 at 19:14
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Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is the easiest method I've ever found. For Vista, OEM product keys (those that come with a system) are not compatible with retail discs.

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  • so basically having the code doesn't make any difference because i'll still have to use the recovery discs :(.
    – Arch Angel
    Commented Oct 8, 2010 at 18:05
  • +1 for Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder. It's helped me many times with Windows re-installs :)
    – Ryan Berger
    Commented Oct 8, 2010 at 18:07
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Right click on Computer, go to Properties, and somewhere near the bottom should have your product key listed.

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    Thats my product ID not product key
    – Arch Angel
    Commented Oct 8, 2010 at 17:44

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