What's My Code?

This tip accesses the registry and MUST be used with extreme care.

Ever notice how Microsoft likes to put "product keys" on all their software? Well, what do you do if you've lost yours and you need re-install the software? I suppose you could call Microsoft and ask them to help.

Yeah right!

Here's another solution. If the program is still on your machine (or at least still has entries in your registry), there may be hope. The info you need may be tucked away in the Windows Registry!

Here's how to find it:

1. Click the Start button, Run. Type in regedit and click OK. Your registry editor program will start.

2. Next, head to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Microsoft

Make sure you open (double-click) the Microsoft folder.

Now, scroll down to the program you want to re-install. Double-click its folder and look for another folder called "Current Version".

Double-click that and look for an entry for "ProductKey" or "ProductId" in the right window pane. If you find it, you've found your code!

It can be a bit of a pain to hunt through the registry like this, but at least you don't have to buy the software again!

Posted in: System Maintenance