Lost Serial Sticker... any hope?

[Jayrawr]

Hi,

I had Win 7 Installed last year, only I just had to do some upgrades to the PC, which involved a re-installation of Windows 7. In this entire process I've lost the sticker that was attached to my Case, and I want to know what I can do to recover it...

I have the original CD with me, along with all the CD keys and such on the box, just not the actual serial.

Can I email all the CD keys to Microsoft and hope they can get my PC authenticated on their end? or am i basically screwed. Also, if I weren't able to activate windows, what exactly would happen? I found a bunch of information of what happened in Vista, not sure if it's the same for Windows 7.

Thanks in advance

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Do you have the retail version of Windows or an OEM version?

You mention serial numbers, do you mean the Product Key or the Product ID, which determines whether you have an OEM system or not.

I'm surprised the sticker has fallen off the case, it's normally fixed solid.

Try Belarc Advisor, it takes an inventory of your system, including your Product Keys.

Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit

 

[Jayrawr]

Hi,

Thanks for the quick reply.

I've tried that software, couldn't retrieve the product key for Windows7 (I haven't activated it after the fresh install).
I have all the keys from the physical CD, and it's casing, including product bar codes etc. just the actual Product Key, on the sticker, I have misplaced. I didn't know I'd actually need it once I activated Windows once.

Is there a way I can give all that info to Microsoft and hope they authenticate it on their end? I really do hope so. Also, what exactly will happen if I do not "activate" my Windows within the 30 days.

Thanks.

 

[seavixen32]

Contact Microsoft and give them the Product ID. The Product ID is different from the Product Key and can be found under Control Panel>Sysyem & Security>System.

They will then tell you whether they can help.

If they can't, then you'll need to buy another genuine product key.

Support for Windows 7 technical problems and troubleshooting

If you don't activate within 30 days the operating system will go into reduced functionality mode with black screens and warning messages that your system may not be genuine along with suggestions to buy a product key.

 

[NoelDP]

Hi,

I had Win 7 Installed last year, only I just had to do some upgrades to the PC, which involved a re-installation of Windows 7. In this entire process I've lost the sticker that was attached to my Case, and I want to know what I can do to recover it...

I have the original CD with me, along with all the CD keys and such on the box, just not the actual serial.


Thanks in advance

Was this a Retail version or an OEM?
If it was Retail then the Key is on a sticker on the inside of the plastic case that Win7 came in, NOT on your machine.

 

[seavixen32]

Thanks for that Noel, it's a good point.

 

[NoelDP]

...one that we all tend to forget about