How the Windows 95 CD Key Check Really Worked

TLDRThe Windows 95 CD key check only enforced basic rules. The first three digits were checked against a blacklist, while the next seven digits needed to be divisible by 7. The key format for retail and OEM installations was slightly different.

Key insights

🔑The Windows 95 CD key check only enforced basic rules.

🚫The first three digits were checked against a blacklist.

🔢The next seven digits needed to be divisible by 7.

🔑💻The key format for retail installations was slightly different from OEM installations.

⚙️The Windows 95 CD key check algorithm was relatively simple compared to more sophisticated algorithms.

Q&A

What were the rules for the first three digits of the CD key?

The first three digits were checked against a blacklist. Certain numbers, such as 333, 444, and 555, were not allowed.

What were the rules for the next seven digits of the CD key?

The next seven digits needed to be divisible by 7 without a remainder.

How did the CD key format differ for retail and OEM installations?

The CD key format for retail installations was different from OEM installations. The format for retail installations allowed for more flexibility in the key, while the OEM format had specific requirements for the first three and last five digits.

Why did the CD key check algorithm accept simple keys like 111-1111?

The CD key check algorithm was relatively simple and didn't enforce strict rules for the key format. As long as the key met the basic requirements, such as the first three digits not being on the blacklist and the next seven digits being divisible by 7, it was considered valid.

How does the Windows 95 CD key check compare to more sophisticated algorithms?

The Windows 95 CD key check algorithm was relatively simple compared to more sophisticated algorithms used today. It didn't involve complex encryption or advanced validation techniques. The simplicity of the algorithm made it easier to reverse engineer.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The Windows 95 CD key check enforced basic rules for validation.

02:00The first three digits of the CD key were checked against a blacklist.

03:12The next seven digits of the CD key needed to be divisible by 7.

04:26The CD key format differed for retail and OEM installations.

05:32The Windows 95 CD key check algorithm was relatively simple.