![how to find windows server 2008 product key in registry how to find windows server 2008 product key in registry](https://s33046.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/sql-server-version-number-in-errorlog-file.png)
One other possibly less obvious and slightly more complicated option is diving into the registry. Nevertheless, let us save that for another discussion. It is possible (as Windows PowerShell MVP Marc van Orsouw points out) to add additional keys to WMI using the Registry Provider, and mimic what SMS/SCCM does behind the scenes. In the example above, running this on my home laptop, you will see the “Invalid class” error if you try querying against it without an SMS/SCCM client installation. This WMI class is only loaded during the installation of an SMS/SCCM client. Unfortunately, as seen in the preceding figure, Win32Reg_AddRemovePrograms is not a standard Windows class. The command to use this class is shown in the following figure. What is great about Win32Reg_AddRemovePrograms is that it contains similar properties and returns results noticeably quicker than Win32_Product. Remember, we are simply looking for what has been installed on our systems, and because we have been dealing with WMI, let’s stay with Get-WmiObject, but look at a nonstandard class, Win32Reg_AddRemovePrograms. However, because we are talking about alternative routes, let us look at another way to get us to arrive at the same location before we burst the bubble on Win32_Product. It has a high level of detail (for example, Caption, InstallDate, InstallSource, PackageName, Vendor, Version, and so on).This is a simple and straightforward query: Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product.A simple command to query Win32_Product with the associated output is shown in the following image. At first glance, Win32_Product would appear to be one of those best solutions in the path of least resistance scenario.
![how to find windows server 2008 product key in registry how to find windows server 2008 product key in registry](https://www.isunshare.com/images/article/product-key-finder/how-to-find-lost-sql-server-2008-product-key/find-sql-server-2008-product-key.png)
It contains several useful methods and a variety of properties. It is a prime example of many of the benefits of WMI.
![how to find windows server 2008 product key in registry how to find windows server 2008 product key in registry](https://www.auslogics.com/en/articles/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/retrieve-windows-product-key-from-the-windows-registry-1024x576.png)
The Win32_Product represents products as they are installed by Windows Installer. If you’re familiar with the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) classes and the wealth of information that can be gathered by utilizing the Get-WmiObject cmdlet, an obvious choice might be referencing the Win32_product class. However, sometimes the best solution is dictated by the environment or requirements you are working with.įor instance, let us talk about the task of determining which applications are installed on a system. Sometimes the “right” way to do something comes down to a matter of opinion or preference. This is one things I love most about working with Windows PowerShell (and scripting in general) is that most problems have more than one solution. Occasionally, the best solution is the path of least resistance. Finding the “best” solution to a problem is one of the goals that I think drives many people who are successful at what they do. It’s one of the things that makes work interesting. One of the life lessons I have learned over the years working in the IT field as a server administrator is that there are often several different valid responses to a situation. In 2011, I founded the Corpus Christi PowerShell User Group and try to help bring others up to speed on Windows PowerShell. My daily responsibilities keep me involved with Active Directory, supporting Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint, and various ASP.NET applications. In 2008, I made the move to Windows PowerShell and have never looked back. I was introduced to VBScript in 2000, and scripting became a regular obsession sometime in 2005. I started in the IT industry in 1996 with DOS and various flavors of *NIX.
![how to find windows server 2008 product key in registry how to find windows server 2008 product key in registry](https://www.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_54a0affb5f877.png)
I am currently a senior systems administrator with the Department of the Army. Here is what Marc has to say about himself. It was way cool, and both Marc and his wife Pam are terrific hosts. The Scripting Wife and I were lucky enough to attend the first PowerShell User Group meeting in Corpus Christi, Texas. Guest Blogger Weekend concludes with Marc Carter.
How to find windows server 2008 product key in registry how to#
Summary: Learn how to use Windows PowerShell to quickly find installed software on local and remote computers.