How Do I Extract an Authentication Code in XP?

Microsoft Windows Authentication is done by the Windows Activation Technologies built into recent versions of Microsoft Windows. The authentication process relies on the Windows product key that is installed in the operating system. In most cases, this product key should be listed on a sticker on the side of the computer case. If this sticker is missing, or there is some other reason for needing to know what this code is, it is extractable with a program.

• 1

  Download WinKeyFinder (see Resources). WinKeyFinder is software that reveals the registry-encrypted product key code for which Windows activation is based.

• 2

  Double-click the "exe" file to run the program.

• 3

  View the current Windows product key. This is the code that must be entered when Windows is installed for authentication to take place.

• 4

  Click the "Check Activation" button to determine the status of Windows Activation.