Windows Vista Microsoft product key code registry access

**JohnL** · 2012-05-28 11:17

First of all this is an HONEST request as I know some may view it as not.........How can I find the Microsoft product key code in the registry? I really do need some help. My son's Toshiba Laptop computer is eaten up virus's big time and the hard drive needs to be reformatted and the software needs to be installed to the original store bought condition. I know that there is a hidden partition with the re-install software on it, However in view of the fact that it is so badly eaten up with virus's, I'm afraid the hidden partition is also eaten up with virus's too.......The Windows Vista desktop can not be put back in original condition, as well as the other software on the laptop even with AVG antivirus software as well as other free software brands. I know in the registery there is the Micosoft product code but I do not know how to find it....would someone please be kind enough to help us.....the Microsoft key code on the bottom of the computer is partly worn off from sitting on his lap over the past 4 years so I can't read the complete code so we are unable to order the restore disks directly from Toshiba without the complete code.......any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you, John

**jwitalka** · 2012-05-28 11:40

The Magicjellybean keyfinder will give you the information you need.
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Jerry

**JohnL** · 2012-05-28 11:52

Jerry, I tried to log on to your suggested website with another computer to check it out, BUT my Anti Virus software said it was a Malicious Dangerous website and NOT to log on to it. John

**Medico** · 2012-05-28 12:50

The viruses may be preventing your doing so. Can you sign on with another PC to download the app to a flash drive.

SIW is also a great app for gaining this info as well as many other things.

**JohnL** · 2012-05-28 13:08

Ted, when I tried to access teh magicaljellybean site, I was on a separate computer, not the "broken one" and it's antivirus software told me it was a dangerious site and not to log on to it....not familar with the SIW site, but could try it tomorrow if necessary as I don't have the messed up computer in my hands until tomorrow...John

**BATcher** · 2012-05-28 13:11

The program which I use more than any other for this purpose is ProduKey from NirSoft. Without exception this will be flagged by antivirus products as a trojan, or some such, like many other such programs are. You may need to run the laptop in Safe Mode to be able to download it, or to allow it to run. Perhaps download it on another machine, and put it on a flash drive, and try running it on your son's laptop, as suggested above.

Do not believe the inaccurate "false positive" mythology of the antivirus programs. This is one instance where you know more than it about the safety of a program. If your antivirus program has already allowed all those viruses through, I see little reason to believe it about a known safe system utility!

You also need to beware that some PC/laptop manufacturers use a generic product key with which to install Windows, and that all the product key finders will come up with this generic key - not the one on the Certificate of Authenticity sticker on your laptop which you would need to do a reinstall. About the only way round this would be to ring up Microsoft and throw yourself at their mercy. Surprisingly, they are often very understanding of this sort of situation.

**Medico** · 2012-05-28 13:27

SIW will give you a wealth of info about your hardware and software on your PC. You will be surprised at how detailed it is.

I blocked my key info for obvious reasons:

SIW.jpg

Note: As BATcher states some of these utilities are thought to be nasties by AV/AM apps. There are several of the NirSoft apps that set off my AV app. I did not get a warning from either the site or app from SIW. There are both paid and free versions of SIW on the web site.

**JohnL** · 2012-05-28 14:08

Thanks to both of you, Batcher and Ted....I'll get my hands on the laptop tomorrow and give it a go...hopefully I'll be able to get some good results...John

**JohnL** · 2012-06-03 10:37

Thank you to each of you for your helpful assitance.....I reloaded the O/S from the hidden partition with no problem and the virus scans later indicate all it well.....it is worth noting as alredy mentioned that the activation code used by Toshiba was an OEM activation code that was used automatically during the install and NOT the product code on the bottom of the laptop....again thank you to each of you for your helpful assistance....John

**Medico** · 2012-06-03 10:41

John, Glad you were able to get things sorted out.

Check into creating Images for future reference. Restoring from an Image is very quick (less than 10 minutes in my case) and restores the entire HD inclucing all updates, customizations and apps you have installed. There is a wealth of info in the Security and Backup Forum including some step by step instructions for both Acronis and Macrium Reflect (these are pretty old threads so you will most likely have to search for them.)

**JohnL** · 2012-06-03 10:49

Ted many thanks,I will do.....it took 3 hours to do the initial reinstall from the hidden partition!!!!! Then I had to wade thru 3 days of updates to get everything updated..Whew!...I did make the restore DVD's in case I ever need a new harddrive, BUT your suggestion is a great one for the future and a heck of a lot less work......Many thanks again...John

**robplum** · 2012-06-06 22:18

Because the Toshiba Vista Laptop has the hidden partition, because it can now be purchased for as little as $36 should you use to use that version you should not activate version 9's Acronis True Image Home Start-up Manager, if you do it will lock you out of computer and you'd need to again restore back to factory settings.
Otherwise in every other respect i much prefer Acronis True Image Home version 9 version over there later versions.

**learningstill** · 2012-06-06 22:24

Try BelArc Advisor (Free) which will tell you all you want to know about Laptop / PC. Cheers.

**robplum** · 2012-06-06 22:25

oh i messed that post up sorry.
Because the Toshiba Vista Laptop has the hidden partition, and as you can now purchase version 9's of Acronis True Image Home program for as little as $36. Know if you choose to use that version, you should not under any circumstance activate version 9's Acronis True Image Home Start-up Manager, if you do Start-up Manager will lock you out of the computer, and you'd need to again restore using the recovery disk you've no-doubt now got back to factory settings.
Otherwise in every other respect, i much prefer Acronis True Image Home version 9 version over later versions.

**bigbadsteve** · 2012-06-07 01:43

Just for the record, MagicalJellybean KeyFinder is a reputable piece of software which I believe has been recommended by Windows Secrets editors for years. Some users set their antivirus programs to detect so-called 'security risk' software as well as viruses - whether a program detected as a 'security risk' is a real risk depends on which computer it'll be used on, by whom, and for what purpose. For example a net cafe might prefer customers to not be viewing program serial numbers, so set their antivirus program to raise alerts for the likes of MagicalJellybean KeyFinder.

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