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- Re: Locate previous windows 7 key on laptop?
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01-04-2021 02:57 PM
Hi, i have laptop with XP running on it but i want to find win 7 key if ever installed in drive as have win 7 key sticker but
cant read the key anymore. Belearc only showed current xp key, could the win 7 key be stored somewhere on the drives partitioned if ever installed in past?
Also i can read the other sticker's numbers. Can that be used through microsoft to find 25 digit key?
Thanks for any help
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01-04-2021 04:50 PM
As far as I know, the answer to both questions is no. Windows only stored one key in the registry and if you replace that, it does not save the old one.
You can download and run this utility and see if it retrieves a key from the BIOS: https://github.com/Superfly-Inc/ShowKeyPlus/releases/download/ShowKeyPlus1.1.14.1/ShowKeyPlus1.1.14....
I am a volunteer and I do not work for, nor represent, HP
01-04-2021 04:50 PM
As far as I know, the answer to both questions is no. Windows only stored one key in the registry and if you replace that, it does not save the old one.
You can download and run this utility and see if it retrieves a key from the BIOS: https://github.com/Superfly-Inc/ShowKeyPlus/releases/download/ShowKeyPlus1.1.14.1/ShowKeyPlus1.1.14....
I am a volunteer and I do not work for, nor represent, HP
01-05-2021 11:18 AM
Hello
unfortunately I doubt that it works @WAWood
the keys are in the bios from windows 8 only
Either you can decipher the key which is on the sticker.
either you will have to buy a new license I think
ShowKeyPlus
Find your Windows product key with ShowKeyPlus. Your product key depends on the type of Windows version you bought: • If you bought Windows from an authorized retailer, the product key will only show as the Installed key. This applies to OEM System Builder keys as well. • If you upgraded Windows, the Original key will be the key installed prior to the upgrade. NB if you upgrade to Windows 10 for free, you'll receive a unique Digital License instead of a product key. The key displayed will be an edition specific generic key in that case. • If you bought a new PC running Windows, the product key will be pre–installed on your PC and the key will be included in the firmware in the case of Windows 8 or 10 - or as an OEM marker, in the case of previous versions. The OEM key will display the key in the case of the former, or whether your PC was built for Windows Vista or Windows 7. • Apart from the key, the associated Edition of each key is displayed below it. • Dark mode compatibility
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