How to install from cds without the key? (reddthat.com)

submitted 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) by UninterestingVoid@reddthat.com to c/piracy@lemmy.dbzer0.com

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I found some old cds and dvds. Some are software or games and it asks me for a product key or whatever that was in the back of the original box (I do not have the original box) Idk if this is the right community but is there any way to skip it or crack it or something?

I mean the stuff is probably archived somewhere online and possibly already ready to just download or run but that's no fun and I am also curious.

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[-] cupcakezealot@piefed.blahaj.zone 15 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

this is why you write the key on a sharpie on the disc

[-] frongt@lemmy.zip 11 points 5 days ago

write key on disc
put disc in drive
???
profit?

[-] f4f4f4f4f4f4f4f4@sopuli.xyz 6 points 5 days ago

Most installers wouldn't care if the disc got temporarily ejected but you risked AutoRun opening another instance of the installer, bringing your PC to its knees. XD

[-] username_1@discuss.tchncs.de 9 points 5 days ago

Don't use sharp things on CDs!

[-] ryannathans@aussie.zone 7 points 5 days ago

Instructions unclear, what do I use to write the key on a sharpie?

[-] altphoto@lemmy.today 7 points 5 days ago

Someone said to burn the CD, now it won't even fit I the player. It's all warped and crispy.

[-] aramis87@fedia.io 3 points 5 days ago

And if OP decides to keep the discs and is smart, that's exactly what s/he'll do now.

this post was submitted on 25 Sep 2026

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