When I purchase ANYTHING with a CD or related information, I write what it is, the purchase date, serial no., etc. on the upper right corner of a 9 x 12 clasp envelope and place everything (including receipt or rebate info) inside.
I then file them in a basket which I keep on a nearby shelf. I've been doing this for years, and it is so easy when I reformat, or have to reinstall, or even just check the manual. It's all right there!!
I do the same with household appliances, cameras, any item for which I might need to look up information. I keep them in a separate "household" basket.
I don't think a day goes by without a post from someone needing help and they can't find or have lost the CD they need. This is an easy way to stay organized and save yourself time.
I have several CD cases I use to store all of the "important" CDs. I have one for each computer I own to store the operating system CD, drivers, factory installed software or restore CD sets that came with the computer.
I also have one that stores all of the programs I have installed along with the installation CDs for my peripherals and other hardware. These CD storage cases are cheap and easy to find. You can find them at any computer or other retail store and they come in a variety of sizes.

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