Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder won't help you find your car keys or point you to the Easter Bunny's stash. But if you need to reinstall Windows and can't find your product key, it might be seem magical to you. This free utility retrieves your Windows Product Key (CD key) from your registry and saves it to a text or CSV file. If you need to reinstall Windows but don't have the Product Key because you lost the original CD or case, it can save your bacon, or at least a lot of your time. It works in most versions of Windows from 95 to 7. The latest release also supports Windows Server 2000.
We installed and opened Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder. Immediately the program produced a dialog displaying four entries in the left-hand sidebar: our Windows version, Windows Information, Office, and our freeware firewall app. Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder displayed the data for the first entry, Windows, in the main view. The program correctly identified our version, 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium SP1. It also displayed Product Part Number, installation media, Computer Name, and Registered Owner (also Organization, where applicable). Best of all, it displayed both the Product ID and CD Key, with a match to CD Key data. We expected no less, but it's still a relief! But nothing like the relief we'd have felt at recovering those critical keys in time of need, and so easily, too. Anyone who has reinstalled Windows at 3 o'clock in the morning, after exhausting every fix, should be able to understand how we feel. The other entries showed similar data, only not as extensive. For example, our firewall only showed a serial number since we hadn't registered a name or company.
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is an extremely simple tool that's just as easy to use. Basically, it has one trick, but it's a good one. A premium version, Recover Keys, adds additional capabilities such as Adobe compatibility, networked PC scanning, USB portability, and technical support. Most users will probably find the freeware takes care of business; if not, try the shareware. It's cheaper than replacing your broken Windows!
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8.
Publisher's Description
From Magical Jelly Bean Software:
The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is a freeware utility that retrieves your Product Key (cd key) used to install windows from your registry. It has the options to copy the key to clipboard, save it to a text file, or print it for safekeeping.
It works on Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP, Server 2003, Office 97, and Office XP. This version is a quick update to make it work with Windows Server 200
What's new in this version: Version 2.0.8 includes unspecified updates.
More Products to Consider
-
Bring back the Windows "Start" menu to Windows 8.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Return the Windows 7 style Start menu to Windows 8.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Run Windows 8 Modern applications in resizable windows on your ...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Retrieve your product key or CD key of Windows installations.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Create multiple alerts which can alert you at a specific moment...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Clean up icon clutter on your desktop.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Enable clock with countdown, reminder, stopwatch, and desktop s...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Enhance your desktop with different widgets.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Watch the little ants moving over your desktop.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Watch the little ants moving over your desktop.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Place favorite Web links, program shortcuts, and widgets on a f...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Make Windows 8 more like Windows 7.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Set unlimited numbers of alarm clocks on Windows.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Make Windows 8 more like Windows 7.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Copy and paste multiple text items with ease.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Get dock with live icon reflections and speed up access to your...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Restore Windows OS & registry in less then 10.Download
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Hide the cursor while you are working on the keyboard.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Create and stick electronic notes on your Windows desktop.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Get tips in using Windows OS.Download
Installed
Smart Install -
Scroll desktop without limits by just moving the mouse and keep...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Retrieve deleted, formatted, damaged, or corrupted disk partiti...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Personalize your Windows 8 start and lock screens with your own...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Open your favorite and frequently used folders anytime and from...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install
-
All versions:
3.8 starsout of 87 votes
-
Current version:
3.9 starsout of 18 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Useless if you have OEM installed Windows"
Version: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8
Pros
It did find my Office Product Key.
Cons
If you have a computer from a large company like Dell, Sony, Gateway, etc., then you will probably get THEIR generic Product Key instead of the Key on your sticker. I re-installed Windows with Dell's OEM Windows DVD, and I used my sticker Product Key. Yet this program still comes up with Dell's Key. Also, beware: the program will give you other programs that you may not want.
Summary
You can try it, but be sure to compare the Key to your sticker!
-
"Not sure yet"
Version: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8
Pros
Appears to do what it says, but I would like to see if it can expand beyond some of the obvious programs. It took a bit to get past the "multiple connections" issue running it remotely on my laptop from my desktop. When running into that problem, once trying some of the suggestions on the FAQ page that addresses this, it is best to reboot both computers and it should work.
Cons
I bought the basic Recover Keys program, which is supposed to recover the keys for 3600+ programs and am perusing the list. I have Adobe Acrobat XI and it did not pick that up, so I do not know what it is missing yet.
-
"Exceeded Expectations"
Version: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8
Pros
I rarely review things online, but -- I bought a computer on Craig's List this weekend. I wanted to wipe the drive and reinstall Windows (the seller has done a fresh install, but I'm too paranoid to hook a strange system into my network), but the license sticker wan't on the case and the seller wasn't responding to my attempts to contact him. I could have bought a new Windows license, but then the computer would no longer be a bargain. I did a web search to see if there was a way to extract the key, and found this program.
I downloaded it from the creator's website (not CNET, since I've been burned one too many times by the adware that manages to sneak onto my system even when I think I've declined everything), installed it, and then ran the program. I expected to wait a few minutes while it scrubbed my registry, but - and here's why I'm reviewing it with 5 stars - it INSTANTLY showed me my Windows key. I'm reinstalling on that other computer as I type this!Cons
None if you have simple needs, like getting a Windows license key. I think you have to buy an upgraded version if you want to extract things like Photoshop keys.
Major con: if you get it from CNET, you'll be forced to use their download manager and its pernicious attempts to stick adware on your computer. -
"Small, Quick, Does what it's supposed to"
Version: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8
Pros
Small and fast with a reasonable pitch to buy the full version. Not crippled unless you want app serial numbers then you buy full version. No problems uninstalling. Found an accurate Windows 7 CD key that worked for a reinstall.
Cons
Careful during the install. You need to uncheck the install adware check box if you don't want to install it. It's checked by default so watch what you are doing during install.
Summary
This is as good as shareware is in this day and age.
-
"It Worked for me"
Version: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8
Pros
so quick so easy
Cons
Haven't found any yet.
Summary
Download, Install, Run, Record your keys. Simple
-
"I was not impressed."
Version: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8
Pros
Installed ok.
Cons
I have a lot of software installed and it Did not show much of anything.How do you know if the full version works any better.
Summary
I would not reccomend !
-
"Would not recommend"
Version: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8
Pros
None. They say its free, but to get more code #'s you have to pay for premium version npothing is ever free....Don't waste your time!!!
Cons
Doesn't work!! They gave a generic product key code #.
Summary
Nothing is free!!!
-
"works for me"
Version: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8
Pros
key found matches my records - I was not sure which key I had used. It also found the correct version, unlike another program I tried.
Save to file works.Cons
none found
-
"This retrieved all of the product keys that I needed."
Version: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8
Pros
Successfully retrieved the information that I needed for Windows and for Microsoft Office.
Cons
I didn't notice any cons from what I needed it for.
-
"I have tried the Magical jelly bean and it is the best"
Version: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8
Pros
It has worked ten out of ten times,has not failed once i have recommended it to all my friends and they agree it works, and it's free you can't beat that and CNET you are the best keep up the good work you have helped me out of alot of jams thanx.
Cons
Absolutly none
