Windows key lost

[bpennock]

Hello all, due to some errors my windows had to be wiped and reinstalled I had to download an ISO and burn it to a disc and everything went well until I forgot I needed my windows activation code. I do have a backup image on a separate HDD but windows wouldn't let me load that backup thus the fresh install. Is there any way I can get the activation code from that image? Possibly load the image file in a VM?
Any help is greatly appreciated

Edit: it is an OEM windows custom PC and I am in the middle of a move so I do not have my physical copy of windows

 

[scout_03]

that win is a oem or preinstall on a build system .

 

[vrumor]

Youll need to contact Microsoft or buy a new key.

 

[BFG-9000]

There are a lot of free Product Key Finder programs, but the most obvious one to try is Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder because it claims to work on "another or non-bootable Windows" on a secondary drive.

The image would need to be restored to fill a drive or partition though, not remain as a file since the program needs to read the registry.

 

[Corwin65]

What version of Windows?