I received this message recently:

I had my computer fixed recently and so I had to reinstall VB6 but I can't find my CD Key. The reason I can't find my CD Key is because it was thrown out with the CD case when it broke. I can't install my copy of VB6 without this CD Key.

Is there anything I can do to get VB back onto my computer so I can continue my work? Keep in mind that I paid good money for VB and I don't want to have to go out and buy it again.


Please help!!

From an Anonymous Programmer.

Dear A,

If you Google "Lost CD Key", you can find dozens of people who claim that they can crack the registry and recover lost keys. I can't verify any of these claims, however, and I recommend carefully backing up your computer before you try ANY of them.

Microsoft will replace your CD, however, and the instructions for doing it are at Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 326246.

My "bottom line" however is ... if you don't need your VB 6 immediately, why not use this as a good excuse to move up to VB .NET. See my article:

Get VB.NET Cheap!

for the absolutely cheapest way to do it!