Finding the Windows 95 CD-ROM Key
To install or reinstall Windows 95 from the CD-ROM, the key on the sleeve of the CD-ROM is required. REGEDIT can be used to retrieve this CD-ROM key from the Registry, but is easier with the System Properties applet in Control Panel.
Open the System Properties applet in the Control Panel. Go to the General tab. The Registered to field contains a numeric string with groups of five, three, seven, and five digits. The three and seven digit groups are the CD-ROM key.
If you are using Microsoft Plus! there will be two of these CD-ROM numbers, the top is for Windows 95, the bottom one for Microsoft Plus!. This CD-ROM key is also included in the Registry
Many users simply write the CD-ROM key directly onto the label side of the CD_ ROM itself, using a felt-tip marker. This practice might not be safe, since there is always a change that the solvents in the marker's ink could damage the surface of the CD-ROM over time.