Prep for reinstalling Windows—cataloging programs/licenses/keys

Factual Questions
1

It’s been way too long since I did a complete reinstall. Wayyyyy tooooo loonnnngggg. The machine is a chaotic mess (one of the reasons to rebuild), and I’ve lost track of what’s installed and many of the associated license keys.

There are things I know I have and use, e.g,. Office, DreamWeaver, Steam (for Half life), WinAmp, RealAlternative, SpyBot, etc. Some I use often and are obvious to reinstall, but some I use so seldom (but when I do I really need them) that finding out I need to reinstall it at the time of need may be problematic. Some things run in the background (e.g., Spybot’s teatimer) so I may never remember that I had it installed.

Then there’s the whole key issue. I have a file of computer documentation (hard copy), but given that I’m still using Office 2000, there are likely gaps and missing items in that eight to ten year old folder. While I know I have the Office key, I’m not sure about Dreamweaver, or many other programs residing therein.

I do have all documents and an “install files” folder (full of downloaded install programs) on a remote drive, so all I’m really worried about is the OS and applications.

Is there a program out there that will A) list all installed software on my machine, and B) dump their license keys or other “I’m-valid-and-paid-for” information to a separate file? I have Belarc Advisor (free), but while it seems to list installed software and versions, it doesn’t seem to list keys (I’m looking at a couple of my keys and the resulting Advisor page. I’m probably out of luck key-wise, but I thought to ask.

So, what to do? Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Rhythm

2

this says it will do it for $30

3

Try Jellybean Keyfinder. I’ve used it before for windows key’s, but on the webpage it says it can be set up to work with other programs. As for getting a list of programs, try Advanced Uninstaller. I’ve got the 2006 version and it lets you print a report of all the programs you have installed. I’m assuming the new version does the same. I think there’s a 30-day trial availible.