How do I find the Win7 key of an installation that will not boot?


  1. Posts : 28
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    How do I find the Win7 key of an installation that will not boot?


    I have a 100gb hdd from a laptop plugged into an external hdd bay, mounted and working from another win7 laptop. How do I fetch the key used to install the windows on the 100gb hdd?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,440
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #2

    It will be on a Sticker called a COA sticker on the underside of the laptop from which it came.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 28
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    It has worn off that was were I looked first.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5,440
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #4

    As you have removed the HD from the laptop you obviusly cannot re-install the OS to that machine and it will be an OEM version of Windows 7 so you cannot use it on any other machine.
    That said you can follow this to find the key:
    Product Key Number for Windows 7 - Find and See
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 28
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    It was not an oem version, this is a refurbished laptop.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 3,056
    Windows 10
       #6

    As mitchell65 suggested you can use KeyFinder | Magical Jelly Bean.
    But since it's an offline OS you might need to load the hive.
    How do I find the Win7 key of an installation that will not boot?-laodhiveconfig.jpg
    In the browse window, navigate to:
    Code:
    X:\Windows\system32\config\software
       Information
    "X:\" -Being the letter of the offline OS's C:\ partition.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 16,130
    7 X64
       #7

    Produkey is easier.

    http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

    ( Also comes in 64 bit - useful to just throw into simple 64 pe.)

    How do I find the Win7 key of an installation that will not boot?-produkey.jpg
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 28
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #8

    It is coming up empty, I think the drive may be worse off then I first thought. Thanks for the help.
      My Computer


 

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