How to retrieve Win7 Product key from PC

**bk T** · 24-11-2020, 05:56 PM

I remember vaguely that we can retrieve the product key from within Windows 7.

Where is it hidden?

**Agent_24** · 24-11-2020, 07:22 PM

https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

**bk T** · 24-11-2020, 10:18 PM

Magic jelly bean works, it retrieved the key from this old 2nd hand PC.

Reinstalled Win 7 with the key but MS didn't like the key!

Usually HP has the COA key sticker on the box, but couldn't find it !

**Agent_24** · 24-11-2020, 10:56 PM

Is it the correct edition?
Is it an OEM key only for HP?

What error message did you get?

Did you ever install Win10 on the computer?
IIRC keys can be "upgraded" to Windows 10 but afterwards can't be used in Win7 again. (I may be wrong)

**bk T** · 24-11-2020, 11:10 PM

As it is, when I start up Windows, it shows Windows 7 Professional. Since it's badly corrupted I need to do a fresh install of Win7.

It looks like an Ex-leased PC and maybe, previous owner has upgraded to Win 10 at one stage. ...

Maybe I should try to install Win10 to see whether it activates or not. It has only 4GB of RAM, too low for Win10?

**pcuser42** · 24-11-2020, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by bk T

It has only 4GB of RAM, too low for Win10?

4GB is enough. It won't be the Superman of PCs, but it'll run fine.

**1101** · 25-11-2020, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by bk T

It looks like an Ex-leased PC and maybe, previous owner has upgraded to Win 10 at one stage. ...
Maybe I should try to install Win10 to see whether it activates or not. It has only 4GB of RAM, too low for Win10?

EX Lease PC's dont allways have a key you can use , it may have a Corporate Bulk Licencng key or even a special 'refurb' key.
If its a legit key & legit Win7 , there will be a Win7 COA sticker(with key) on the case .
If its a brand name PC : HP Acer etc , it may have a HP etc bulk key, you also cant use that for reinstall (but should have that COA key sticker).

No point reinstalling WIn7.
Just install Win10 as an upgrade over the top : install WIn10 from within Win7. Then activate Win10
When Win10 is activated, you no longer need a key to re-install it, so you could then wipe & re-install win10 (without key) & it will autoload the key(activate) when internet connected

4G is OK , plenty of corporate WIn10 PC's only have 4Gb RAM. Not an biggie unless you have alot open in Win .
Win10 does run much better with a fast hard drive though (SSD)

**Agent_24** · 25-11-2020, 08:45 AM

Hm... You could try it, but do you actually want Windows 10....?

Your other option is to use a 3rd party activation program. They work fine in Win7.

I personally don't see a problem if you already have an original key. Regardless of its upgrade or OEM state. Yes Microsoft don't like it but I don't think it's unethical to manually activate on a key that's already been paid for.