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

I am talking about the system backup on my server which should have the key since it's a complete backup, or am I mistaken?

questionesse said:

I am talking about the system backup on my server which should have the key since it's a complete backup, or am I mistaken?

You say you have the trial version of Windows 7. If that is the case then any backup you create whether it be on a server or a local hard drive will not be able to conjure up a legitimate product key.

If you want to upgrade to the full version of Windows 7 you will need to buy a product key to unlock it. If you are on a domain, you will need to speak to the network administrator.

ok, to clarify.
I HAD a win 7 student version before.
I NOW installed the iso that microsoft offers if you want a USB install for example
Windows 7 Professional (x86) – DVD
(German) http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent..../X15-65812.iso

I thought I had noted down the key from the old install but it was the product ID.

So if you don't enter a key this Version becomes a 30days trial which you can activate into a full one by inserting a key.

I now wonder how to get back the key and thought if there is something in the _old folder that gets created when installing a new windows over an old one.

Otherwise I will reinstall my backup of the OLD install, read out the Key and reinstall a new clean one since my old one was a little messy by time.

@britton30
I'll give it a try, thx.

questionesse said:

ok, to clarify.
I HAD a win 7 student version before.
I NOW installed the iso that microsoft offers if you want a USB install for example
Windows 7 Professional (x86) – DVD
(German) http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent..../X15-65812.iso

I thought I had noted down the key from the old install but it was the product ID.

So if you don't enter a key this Version becomes a 30days trial which you can activate into a full one by inserting a key.

I now wonder how to get back the key and thought if there is something in the _old folder that gets created when installing a new windows over an old one.

Otherwise I will reinstall my backup of the OLD install, read out the Key and reinstall a new clean one since my old one was a little messy by time.

@britton30
I'll give it a try, thx.

If you can't find your product key that may be your best option.

I have almost exactly the same issue.

really frustrating!

In 2010 i bought a student copy of windows 7. I installed it on a PC that i built myself.

last week i decided to re-install as windows was getting sluggish. so i just launched the windows installer which i just had saved on my hard drive.

except i never wrote down my product key, and as Ive now graduated i no longer have access to my old student email account.

looks like it might be an expensive error!

so frustrating. Ive tried loads of 'key finders' but none of them can find my own key in windows.old.

and I've tried restoring windows from the windows.old folder using the tutorial below but i can't get it to work...

How to restore a Windows 7-based computer to a previous Windows installation by using the Windows.old folder

it just says it can't find any of the folders when i get to the command prompt bit. grrrr!

does nobody have any ideas?

Thanks

I haven't used it in years but it worked last time i did.

KeyFinder | Magical Jelly Bean

Here is another thread that solved this

How do I find my product key from windows.old?