How to Read CD Key Codes From a CD

Software installed using a CD normally is unlocked using a code printed on the CD sleeve or elsewhere in the documentation. If you've lost the printed code and want to upgrade, you can retrieve the code, but not by scanning the CD. Codes are not printed on the CD because that would require a more complex method of production. Instead, the key can be found by peering into the operating system registry, which stores information such as product registration key codes.

• 1

  Download and install a free software key-scanning program, such as Keyfinder or LicenseCrawler (see "References").

• 2

  Run the program to scan your computer's registry for software key codes.

• 3

  The completed scan will generate a list of programs that have key codes stored in your registry. Look for your desired key code, and note the entry where you can easily retrieve it later.