New install - forgot key - in _old folder from previous install?

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  1. Posts : 46
    win7 prof.
       #1

    New install - forgot key - in _old folder from previous install?


    Hey there,

    my win7 professional install seemed kind of lame after some years so I decided to install a new and clean one. I noted down the product-ID from my computers properties because I thought that was the key (right next to it it says change key, so I thought that must be the key).
    After the new install I realied that it is not equivalent to the key as the ID has less letters.

    Is there a chance to get the key from the "old" folder that is generated if you install a new windows over an old one?
    Or is there a chance to get to the key from the product ID? because I have no clue where I put the key...

    thx!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #2

    IF you have a genuine Win 7 installer, it has the activation key on the packeag. If the PC came with it, the key is on a tag somewhere on the case. It is not in the .old folder. It shouldn't have asked you for it with the in-place upgrade.
    What you saw is the Product ID, not the product key. We can't help you if you're trying to install an invalid product.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 46
    win7 prof.
    Thread Starter
       #3

    no, it's a student version I bought online, so the key came via email if I remember correctely after about 2 years...
    what do you mean by in-place upgrade? didn't upgrade, just re-installed.
    what do you mean by invalid product?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 9,606
    Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
       #4

    Did you save a copy of the email with the Key anywhere ?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 46
    win7 prof.
    Thread Starter
       #5

    if I'd be sure about that I wouldn't ask if the key can be retrieved from the old windows folder.
    I have to go into research if that might be the case cause normally I do archieve that kind of mails.
    Just wanted to know if there's a way to get the key from the old install.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #6

    Install and run Belarc Advisor for a full audit of your computer including product keys and serial numbers for any software you have installed.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 46
    win7 prof.
    Thread Starter
       #7

    seavixen32 said:
    Install and run Belarc Advisor for a full audit of your computer including product keys and serial numbers for any software you have installed.
    not finding anything else but the 30days trial key - which would make sense since that's the version installed and the other one is - if at all - in the _old folder.

    Is there a ways to get the key by the product ID? I mean that should be a reference for the purchase as well?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #8

    The product ID identifies the platform, build and version of Windows that you are using.

    As your thirty-day trial period is now up you will need to buy a product key to convert it to a fully-fledged version of Windows.

    The product key is entirely different to the product ID and is what you must have before you can activate your software.

    Waving a product ID at a Microsoft rep won't get you a product key, but paying Microsoft some money will. :)
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 46
    win7 prof.
    Thread Starter
       #9

    uh ok, I thought it was more product specific.
    Maybe I can dig up the serial in my backup files though
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #10

    If the disc you used to install Windows is the trial version then you have no other option but to buy/beg/borrow/steal a product key to unlock the software.

    I can assure you there won't be a product key in your backup files.
      My Computer


 
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