If lost, is there still a way to get the serial # install keys off Win98/98 OS CDs?

Factual Questions
1

In cleaning up my CDs I notice I have several old Microsoft Win 95 and Win 98/98se install CDs laying around for which I have lost paperwork that had the serial # verification keys. If I can get the keys I might be able to make us of them but without the keys they are obviously useless.

IIRC I rember being told by an uber geek years ago there is a way to find the install key on the Win 98/95 CDs by looking at the CD code with notepad or something and that the key is actually embedded in the code on the CD. He was a fairly straightforward guy so I don’t think he was pulling my leg. Does anyone know the procedure for this or if it is even possible?

2

No. The CD’s are mass produced and are all identical, so there would be no record of the key on the CD. When you get to the point in the install where it asks for the CD key, the program “validates” the key by comparing what you enter with Microsoft’s secret rules and regulations to determine if it’s a valid code or not.

3

Win 95 is pretty useless as Win98 is just a better version of it. If you still have them installed in some computer you can find the key in the registry (I believe).

4

astro, please email me.