Getting into the registery of an XP install that won't boot? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Reese · 06-18-2007, 09:27 PM

I lost some expensive software in a fire last year and I need to reinstall a few things but the only copies I have are on an XP install that won't boot up. I got into the file system and copied the actual programs but I need to get into the registry and get the CD keys.

Something I learned: When you install 1000$ software.. REGISTER IT!

xepherys · 06-19-2007, 12:07 PM

Well, first understand that you will likely not be able to get the CD keys out of the registry. Usually Product Keys/CD Keys are masked by a system identifier (uniqueish to your system) and added to the registry. Autodesk's AutoCAD, for instance, does this very thing.

You should be able to get into the registry using an XP Boot CD (not the install disc itself, google it and you'll get a few options) that allow you to enter either the repair phase or safe-mode command prompt which should allow you to copy the registry files to another computer and view them there (take care not to overwrite your own reg files).

You also may be able to just "repair" the install from an XP installation CD. I'd use this as a last result as, if it think your registry is corrupt, it'll replace it with a fresh one.

billege · 06-19-2007, 12:20 PM

If you paid for the software, you should have a reciept or proof of purchse somewhere. Will the reseller or manufacturer not provide your key?

Reese · 06-20-2007, 12:57 AM

I believe I've gotten one of the CD keys out of the registry before because I was planning on reinstalling before the HD actually died. I'm not sure about the others.

I had the reciepts slipped in under the plastic seal of the product box.. I just checked customer support and they can send a replacement key with proof of purchase. I think the best buy i bought it from closed down but another one near by seemed to know me when I went in so maybe they can provide me with proof of purchase. Thanks for the info, I figured since I didn't have any proof of actually owning the software I was going to be SOL on the replacement side of things.

Shauk · 06-20-2007, 01:04 AM

well, theres always downloading from piracy sites.

granted, we can't really condone piracy on a website such as this, but, in the case where you legally own the software (although your proof is in the ashes) you can have a clear conscious abou tit at least.

Reese · 06-20-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shauk

well, theres always downloading from piracy sites.

granted, we can't really condone piracy on a website such as this, but, in the case where you legally own the software (although your proof is in the ashes) you can have a clear conscious abou tit at least.

I've thought about it. I'm gonna see if I can get a proof of purchase first though.

billege · 06-21-2007, 03:03 PM

I'm sorry, I missed the part about the fire. duh.

Yeah, that would suck. Proof of purchase goes up in flames...crap.

I've lost some keys and such during HD crash/reformats and what not, but I was able to get them out of my webmail accounts, as I bought online and dl'd the actual software. It totally didn't occur to me that if you bought it in a store...you won't have any of that.

Best of luck!

06-18-2007, 09:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Reese Delicious	Getting into the registery of an XP install that won't boot? I lost some expensive software in a fire last year and I need to reinstall a few things but the only copies I have are on an XP install that won't boot up. I got into the file system and copied the actual programs but I need to get into the registry and get the CD keys. Something I learned: When you install 1000$ software.. REGISTER IT! __________________ “It is better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick” - Dave Barry

06-19-2007, 12:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
xepherys <3 TFP Location: 17TLH2445607250	Well, first understand that you will likely not be able to get the CD keys out of the registry. Usually Product Keys/CD Keys are masked by a system identifier (uniqueish to your system) and added to the registry. Autodesk's AutoCAD, for instance, does this very thing. You should be able to get into the registry using an XP Boot CD (not the install disc itself, google it and you'll get a few options) that allow you to enter either the repair phase or safe-mode command prompt which should allow you to copy the registry files to another computer and view them there (take care not to overwrite your own reg files). You also may be able to just "repair" the install from an XP installation CD. I'd use this as a last result as, if it think your registry is corrupt, it'll replace it with a fresh one. __________________ The prospect of achieving a peace agreement with the extremist group of MILF is almost impossible... -- Emmanuel Pinol, Governor of Cotobato My Homepage

06-19-2007, 12:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
billege Watcher Location: Ohio	If you paid for the software, you should have a reciept or proof of purchse somewhere. Will the reseller or manufacturer not provide your key? __________________ I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence: "My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

06-20-2007, 12:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
Reese Delicious	I believe I've gotten one of the CD keys out of the registry before because I was planning on reinstalling before the HD actually died. I'm not sure about the others. I had the reciepts slipped in under the plastic seal of the product box.. I just checked customer support and they can send a replacement key with proof of purchase. I think the best buy i bought it from closed down but another one near by seemed to know me when I went in so maybe they can provide me with proof of purchase. Thanks for the info, I figured since I didn't have any proof of actually owning the software I was going to be SOL on the replacement side of things. __________________ “It is better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick” - Dave Barry

06-21-2007, 03:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
billege Watcher Location: Ohio	I'm sorry, I missed the part about the fire. duh. Yeah, that would suck. Proof of purchase goes up in flames...crap. I've lost some keys and such during HD crash/reformats and what not, but I was able to get them out of my webmail accounts, as I bought online and dl'd the actual software. It totally didn't occur to me that if you bought it in a store...you won't have any of that. Best of luck! __________________ I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence: "My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

06-20-2007, 01:04 AM	#5 (permalink)
Shauk Confused Adult Location: Spokane, WA	well, theres always downloading from piracy sites. granted, we can't really condone piracy on a website such as this, but, in the case where you legally own the software (although your proof is in the ashes) you can have a clear conscious abou tit at least.