Member Avatar for jolusia08

Hello,

I posted a problem I was having with my laptop starting windows. I still have the problem but was wondering if its possible to save some of my important programs.

If I use Knoppix, it allows me to see all files and folders on my HD. Is there a way I can copy a certain file/folder that will save the registration codes/keys.


Thanks again for the help,
John

  • 3 Contributors
  • 4 Replies
  • 119 Views
  • 3 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by caperjack

Dani AI

Generated

Quick practical plan that builds on the thread: can use Knoppix to copy the Windows registry hives and profile files from the dead drive, then extract keys on a working PC. ’s suggestion to gather keys with a profiler is fine when Windows runs, and is correct that copying Program Files alone rarely makes software usable (shared DLLs and registry entries are required).

Using Knoppix, mount the Windows partition and copy these items to an external drive (offline copy only — do not try to boot the damaged Windows install):

  • C:\Windows\System32\config\SOFTWARE (also SYSTEM, SAM, SECURITY, DEFAULT if desired)
  • Per-user files: C:\Users\<username>\NTUSER.DAT (Vista/7) or C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\NTUSER.DAT (XP)
  • C:\ProgramData and each profile’s AppData\Roaming (many licenses/settings live here)
  • Any obvious license files in program folders (*.lic, *.key, *.reg, readme/licence files)

On a working Windows PC use an offline key reader to load those copied hives and reveal stored product keys. NirSoft’s ProduKey can load an external Windows folder or a SOFTWARE hive to show many Microsoft/product keys (ProduKey). Microsoft documents the hive file locations if you want background on what those files are ().

Cautions: not every application stores a readable key (some use vendor servers, hardware-locked activations, encrypted stores). If a key can’t be recovered, check purchase records or vendor support for re-issue. Keep any copied hive files secure — they contain sensitive account and system data.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for wsherman

I have used Belarc Advisor on Windows PC's for gathering complete PC profiles that included hardware information, and software keys, etc. Just google "belarc" it takes you right to the page.

The Belarc Advisor builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware, missing Microsoft hotfixes, anti-virus status, CIS (Center for Internet Security) benchmarks, and displays the results in your Web browser. All of your PC profile information is kept private on your PC and is not sent to any web server.

You referenced Knoppix, and in doing a quick Google for a Belarc Linux, I was taken to another LinuxQuestion where someone suggested "HardInfo" a linux based System Profiler & Benchmark tool.

HardInfo can gather information about your system's hardware and operating system, perform benchmarks, and generate printable reports either in HTML or in plain text formats.

As for saving complete programs, I am not sure what to offer you there. Often times programs will load their .dll files etc. into the systems folder of Windows.

Member Avatar for caperjack

Often times programs will load their .dll files etc. into the systems folder of Windows.

exactly the reason it will not work,programs also share DLL's from other programs or even Windows Dll's that are all ready there ,so its way more that just having the softwares info in the registry

Member Avatar for jolusia08

I dont understand....When I was having the problem with my laptop starting (still cannot start)...someone mentioned that I should save some folder or system etc, that it would save the important reg codes...reg keys of all the programs I have installed.

The reason I need to find out how I can do this, is because alot of the programs I have, are hard to find again....can someone please tell me how I might be able to do this.

I have this program on cd called knoppix which allows me to see everything on the HD...so if you can point me to the correct folder, then I could try to swing over the data to another pc.

Thanks,
John

Member Avatar for caperjack

I dont understand....When I was having the problem with my laptop starting (still cannot start)...someone mentioned that I should save some folder or system etc, that it would save the important reg codes...reg keys of all the programs I have installed.

The reason I need to find out how I can do this, is because alot of the programs I have, are hard to find again....can someone please tell me how I might be able to do this.

I have this program on cd called knoppix which allows me to see everything on the HD...so if you can point me to the correct folder, then I could try to swing over the data to another pc.

Thanks,
John

I think you should take the laptop to a coputrt repair shop to have the bootup problem fixed .that is your best option .

did you try a www.google.com search a,search for how to save registry of a computer that will not boot

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.