How to view OEM key?

[eatup]

My new laptop came with W7 preinstalled but w W8 recovery DVDs. Yes, this make of laptop actually came with two Windows licenses. Anyways, sticker on laptop says Win8, so there is no product key for W7. How do I view the product key for the preinstalled W7 OS?

 

[derekimo]

If you have no COA sticker with the product key it's probably embedded in the BIOS like most OEM Windows 8 computers.

You can see if option 5, 6, or 7 of this tutorial will help,

Product Key - Find for Windows 8

 

[Berton]

How do I view the product key for the preinstalled W7 OS?

I've had success using the free Advisor from Belarc - System Management For The Internet Age. Software license management, IT asset management, IT security audits and more. I usually use the technician's not-free SIW program from SIW | System Information for Windows by Gabriel Topala, there is a free version but doesn't give license keys. At times MagicalJellyBean has worked, haven't needed it lately. Another program is SPECCY from Piriform - Download CCleaner - Millions of users worldwide!.

 

[whs]

The problem in Windows 7 is that the OEM key does not really help. This is a generic key that the OEMs use for mass activation. You cannot use it for reinstallation with a 'foreign' installation disc. But in your case the Windows 8 key should be in the BIOS.

 

[DavidE]

If recovery is the concern, what i would do

Create Recovery media using the manufacturer's tool for this.
Create System Backup Image(s) using free programs such as Macrium Reflect, Aomei Backupper, etc.

Then if anything ever goes wrong, you should have a way to recover/restore without purchasing a new Win 7 license.

 

[eatup]

The problem in Windows 7 is that the OEM key does not really help. This is a generic key that the OEMs use for mass activation. You cannot use it for reinstallation with a 'foreign' installation disc. But in your case the Windows 8 key should be in the BIOS.

It might help to know the OEM key in case all you need to obtain a new W10 key is an existing 7/8 key... Anyways, that tutorial on this site did it. I went with the script/vbs method as I don't really trust third party solutions...