Finding my W7 product key

[Condi]

I had to put a new HD in my laptop last week. Rummaging around I found a copy of W7 in my draw and so loaded that on. No problems up to now. Then it asked for the product key and for the life of me I cant find it! Its not the same as whats on either of my other 2 machines, as Ive tried both of those.

Can I ring Microsoft and activate it another way? It is a perfectly legal copy with DVD, and not being used on another machine, so I should be fine, but just stuck as to the next step.

Please not Im not asking for someone to send me a product key, Im asking where to find one Ive already got!

[Condi]

WinstonWolf said:

karona said:

nyt said:

Try: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

That'll only reveal a key which has already been entered, if W7 hasn't been registered, and a valid key entered, that program won't help.
OP is it a genuine disk? If it is then rummage in the drawer some more and find the original packaging, there'll be a sticker attached with the key on it. If it's not original, or you can't find the packaging, you're basically screwed.

There are ways around it, for example registry hacks to set back the grace period for activation while you find a valid key, but find the key you must.

Could run it up on the old HDD assuming it's not been flattened.

Old HDD is a no go, as it was totally corrupt. Also that version of W7 wasnt on that HD. Tbh I dont know where this version of W7 came from. I've obviously bought it in the past, and its not running on any of my other 2 machines. I had hoped there would be a CD key in my emails, but its not there.

It is 100% a genuine disk. It is a retail version, with 3 'rearms' left, according to the MS Genuine Advantage diag tool. It also gave me the final 15 characters of the CD key but not the first 10!

As for being basically screwed, thats the conclusion Ive arrived at as well.

Have to buy a new copy which kinda sucks.

[Condi]

NPI said:

Maybe - but you *might* have a problem as the version of W7 you've used won't be the same as the one that the OEM originally installed. The OEM might be able to supply a restore disk?

The OEM originally installed W8. This is a copy of W7 I found hanging around in a draw and so I want to use that if possible. It took enough hoops to get it installed in the first place, now to loose the key is crap!

[Condi]

NPI said:

Condi said:

The OEM originally installed W8.

Did it come with downgrade rights?

Condi said:

This is a copy of W7 I found hanging around in a draw and so I want to use that if possible. It took enough hoops to get it installed in the first place, now to loose the key is crap!

I think you'll be stuffed unless you can find the key. I guess you can't remember, or still have access to, a machine you've used that disk on before?

Um, downgrade rights? Not sure, I put in a blank HD then had to coax the bios to accept the install of W7. W7 is working as normal, I think that bits fine. How would I know if it came with downgrade rights?

No access to an older machine I dont think. I've racked my brains and are getting nowhere. Will try and contact MS on Tuesday and see if they can help or will just try selling a copy of W8 which is all their website seems to want to do!