# Prep for reinstalling Windows—cataloging programs/licenses/keys

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prep-for-reinstalling-windows-cataloging-programs-licenses-keys/448924>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 11, 2008, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prep-for-reinstalling-windows-cataloging-programs-licenses-keys/448924 "2008-05-11T15:22:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2008, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prep-for-reinstalling-windows-cataloging-programs-licenses-keys/448924/1 "2008-05-11T15:22:30Z")

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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

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**Author:** ![scm1001](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c4cdca/32.png) [@scm1001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scm1001)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2008, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prep-for-reinstalling-windows-cataloging-programs-licenses-keys/448924/2 "2008-05-12T00:46:52Z")

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this says it will do it for $30

> **[Product Key Explorer | Product Key Finder](http://www.nsauditor.com/product_key_finder.html)**
>
> Product Key Explorer is a product keyfinder software to recover lost product keys for over +10000 Windows programs.

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**Author:** ![DCTrekkie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dctrekkie/32/18862_2.png) [@DCTrekkie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCTrekkie)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2008, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prep-for-reinstalling-windows-cataloging-programs-licenses-keys/448924/3 "2008-05-12T09:36:12Z")

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Try [Jellybean Keyfinder](http://magicaljellybean.com/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](http://www.innovative-sol.com/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.