Q: Can I retrieve the product key from the Windows CD?
Q: I don't have product key. Will your program generate one for me?
Q: Why doesn't the product key returned match the one on my sticker?
Q: Does the Keyfinder contain any viruses, trojans, malware, or spyware?
Q: Can I retrieve the product key from a non-booting Windows installation?
Q: Why did the hive load fail?

Q: Can I retrieve the product key from the Windows CD?
No. Product keys are not stored on CDs themselves. When you enter your key while installing, it's checked against an algorithm to verify that the key is valid.

Q: I don't have product key. Will your program generate one for me?
No. The Keyfinder is not a key generator. It reads the registry and extracts the key that was used to install Windows.

Q: Why doesn't the product key returned match the one on my sticker?
If you purchased your PC with Windows already installed from a large manufacturer such as Dell or HP, it's likely that Windows was installed using an OEM key instead of the actual key for your PC. This saves them (and you) money because it's much more efficient for these large companies to install Windows once and then clone the drive.

Q: Does the Keyfinder contain any viruses, trojans, malware, or spyware?
No. I wrote this program for myself, and it just so happened that other people can use it as well. I absolutely loathe spyware, and I would never intentionally install it on anyone's PC. Some antivirus companies have began blocking their users from software that they consider grayware, and unfortunately the Keyfinder 1.x was included in that because (and I quote...) "Its information gathering capability can be used by a malicious user for malevolent purposes." Please see the Trendmicro write up about it.

Q: Can I retrieve the product key from a non-booting Windows installation?
As long as both Windows versions are 2000, XP, 2003, or Vista, you can use the Load Hive function. You will have to slave the drive and point the Keyfinder to the non-booting Windows directory.

Q: Why did the hive load fail?
1) Are both versions of Windows 2000, XP, 2003, or Vista?
2) Are you pointing it to the dead Windows directory? It will fail if you try to run it on your currently running Windows directory.
3) Are you running the Keyfinder with Administrator rights? Right click on the Keyfinder and click "Run As" and put in the administrator information.