old computers windows activation key

[skrillek]

i activated my old computer years ago and removed the sticker, now im giving it to my sister she needs the key because we re-installed windows but we dont have it help please? can i get a new one?

 

[Brink]

Hello skrillek,

Sorry, but it wouldn't matter if you did have the product key. Since it's an OEM computer, the product key is permanently tied to that motherboard and cannot be activated on any other computer.

Your sister will need to purchase a new copy of Windows to have a product key she can use.

 

[skrillek]

its the same computer

 

[Brink]

If it's currently activated, then you could use one of the programs in the tutorial below to get the product key number from it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/153626-product-key-number-windows-7-find-see.html
​

If it's not currently activated, then I'm afraid you are out of luck and will need to purchase another one.

 

[gregrocker]

What do you mean you removed the sticker? Is this a branded PC (not the one in your specs) which came with Win7 preinstalled? Because if so you must have the Product Key on the COA sticker attached to machine, or run Factory Recovery from its partition (if still there) or disks you made or order from Tech Support.

If it's a retail copy then you can audit the key as Shawn suggests using Belarc Advisor
however that key will not work once you're reinstalled or if you still have the factory Preinstall which has not been reinstalled yet and activated with the COA sticker's Product Key. The key used at factory to activate is a batch SLP key which cannot be used to activate a Clean Reinstall.

If you clarify a bit more then we can sum up your options a little better.