Comments on: Recover Windows XP Product Key from ntuser.dat in Corrupted or Unbootable System

By: Ray

Ray — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:59:32 +0000

Tried both methods – ntuser.dat and the config folder – hives loaded ok in both cases – but no key found. Could find the key and decrypt it for my working machine ok. I guess I’ve had it unless anyone can come up with another bright idea.

Despite this – a brilliant post – will definitely add it to my arsenal of ‘useful stuff’.

By: Jeff Lewis

Jeff Lewis — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:13:08 +0000

I’m curious. Loading a hive is easy. It’s like one or two API calls. Finding the key programmatically is also fairly easy. The hard part was decrypting the original key – which is the part you’ve done.

Why not add the first two steps right into your app so the user doesn’t have to use three apps and have to remember all these details?

Just a thought.

By: OELLAN TECH

OELLAN TECH — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:00:09 +0000

This is one kickass time saver. My hat is off to you and I am indebted to you. I’ve been looking for such a tool for a long time. Great job.

By: JustBobG

JustBobG — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 05:02:42 +0000

Just wanted to say thanks Jinx – that was a life saver I really thought I was lost till I was your post.

And thanks for the original article!!

By: JInx

JInx — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:02:49 +0000

Nahh this isnt how you do it for all systems,its close tho. I couldnt locate my key thru the ntuser.dat(XP HOME), I had to use a different file. the software file inside the \windows\system32\config folder.

So for me I cannot boot my drive, so I stick it in a second computer (working) and can read the drive (aka non damaged disk, just unbootable)

first go get the loadhive program and run it, go to the unbootable drive and find the software file in the config dir. Not the .sav or .LOG files, the one without the extension. Load it as stated by the guy above and follow the rest of his instructions.

By: kay

kay — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 23:46:35 +0000

this is good stuff, for years iv been trying to format pcs but cudnt coz they didnt have their keys.
the hard part is getting into documnts and settings (sumtimes ucant cos it protected)

and a downside is u have to open the pc to take out the HDD, but hey its worth it!