how to find windows vista product key

1.

Manually locating the Windows Vista product key from the registry is nearly impossible due to the fact that it's encrypted.

Note: The manual techniques used to locate the product key for operating systems like Windows 95 and Windows 98 do not work for Windows Vista. That method will only locate the product ID number, not the actual product key used for installation. Luckily, a number of free programs exist to help find product keys.
2.

Choose a free product key finder program that supports Windows Vista.

Note: Any product key finder that locates Windows Vista product keys will locate the product keys for any edition you may have including Windows Vista Ultimate, Home Premium, Home Basic, Business, and Enterprise.
3.

Download and run the key finder program. Follow any instructions provided by the software.
4.

The numbers and letters displayed by the program represent the Windows Vista product key. The product key should be formatted like xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx - five sets of five letters and numbers.
5.

Write this key code down exactly as the program displays it to you for use when reinstalling Windows Vista.

Note: If even one character is written down incorrectly, the installation of Windows Vista that you attempt with this product key will fail. Be sure to transcribe the key exactly.