Replacing key code for reinstalling system disc

I apparently have lost the almighty product ID Key code or
seriel number for my old Win 98. I have a number that
states the ID code but it is not the same. It even
says 'Certificate of authenticity but no key code. the
software cam with my old Aptive and niehter IBM or
Microsoft want to help me.

If Win98 is still running, get it from the Registry with Regedit.exe
The key is
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion
The value is ProductKey

....Alan

--
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
http://dts-l.org/index.html

In microsoft.public.win98.setup, "Jim Goldapp"
wrote:

I apparently have lost the almighty product ID Key code or
seriel number for my old Win 98. I have a number that
states the ID code but it is not the same. It even
says 'Certificate of authenticity but no key code. the
software cam with my old Aptive and niehter IBM or
Microsoft want to help me.

On Tue, 24 Aug 2004 19:47:08 -0700, "Jim Goldapp"
wrote:

I apparently have lost the almighty product ID Key code or
seriel number for my old Win 98. I have a number that
states the ID code but it is not the same. It even
says 'Certificate of authenticity but no key code. the
software cam with my old Aptive and niehter IBM or
Microsoft want to help me.

Jim,

In addition to Alan's suggestion here are some other options.

Win98/SE/ME
If Windows is installed enter this from the Dos prompt:
C:\windows\command\Find /i "ProductKey" c:\windows\system.dat
(that's an "eye" in /i)
You can also try this if the System.1st file has not been deleted.
C:\windows\command\Find /i "ProductKey" c:\system.1st
There are 3 spaces, 1 before and after /i and 1 before c:
The ProductKey is 5 groups of 5 letters and numbers.
Not all SE and ME systems have the key in System.1st.

You can also try this from Dos if the System.1st file has not been
deleted and you can't access FIND.
Enter: Edit System.1st
Then use the search feature for ProductKey (one word). Use the ALT
key to access the menus.
Use Alt+F then X to exit the Editor.

Regards,

Bill Watt
Computer Help and Information http://home.epix.net/~bwatt/

The W98 ProductKey is generally found on the Windows user manual, the
certificate of authenticity, a sticker on the PC or a sticker on the sleeve
or jewel case the Windows CD came in. The 25-digit key is 5 groups of 5
alpha/numeric characters. The Key might be available from the system:

If the system is working in either safe or normal mode:

Open regedit.exe to this key and look in the right pane for the entry
ProductKey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion

If the system is not working, start the computer with a floppy startup disk.

At the A: prompt, type: C:\Windows\Command\Find /N "ProductKey"
C:\Windows\System.dat
(Note: ProductKey must be typed in upper and lower case letters as shown
and there is a space after: "Find" after: "/N" and after:
"ProductKey"

If the hard drive has been formatted or replaced, US customers can contact
Microsoft at: 1 800 642-7676. They will issue retail and OEM product keys
after verifying data located on the W98 CD.

I suggest writing the ProductKey on the CD with a Sharpie marker.


--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jim Goldapp" wrote in message
...
I apparently have lost the almighty product ID Key code or
seriel number for my old Win 98. I have a number that
states the ID code but it is not the same. It even
says 'Certificate of authenticity but no key code. the
software cam with my old Aptive and niehter IBM or
Microsoft want to help me.