(ThyBlackMan.com) If you recently reinstalled your Microsoft Windows 7, you know you need a Windows 7 activation key. It is usually found on a yellow sticker on the back or bottom of your laptop. Sometimes you can find it in the software manual or CD sleeve of the product.
If for some reason you can’t find it anymore, you lose a valuable license. You may get tempted to purchase another copy of Windows 7 rather than going through the trouble of finding the key. You can save yourself money and discover other ways to handle this problem.
The common problems you will notice with activating Windows 7 include the following:
* Windows 7 activation error: “0xC004F061”
* Error message “Your activation period has expired”
* Error message “Product key in use on another computer”
* Invalid product key
* Problems finding the product key
In most of these cases, you will need to seek a professional to troubleshoot these problems. Fortunately, there are some options you can choose from to address these. Read on to find out a few ways to get your Windows 7 activated.
Windows 7 in Use
This powerful operating system is still widely used to this day. It has several great features and guarantees more compatibility with many programs than its predecessors. Microsoft Windows 7 is comprised of different versions. These include Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Starter, Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise.
There are numerous benefits with using Windows 7, which made it linger longer despite the birth of Windows 8 and Windows 10. It is regarded as user-friendly and consistent with several software applications that don’t necessarily have to be from the official Microsoft website.
Windows 7 Key Encrypted
However, you may be able to locate it on your computer still. During installation, the setup program prompts you for a product key. Once verified, Windows 7 will store the product key in your system registry. It will be in an encrypted form known as the DigitalProductID.
You can see the DigitalProductID under the registry HklmMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionDigitalProductID. This ID is a unique identification of your operating system, and it tells your system that your copy of Windows is properly installed and activated.
With the knowledge of your product key being encrypted on your PC, you need only to decrypt it or obtain a replacement product key. The solution you choose will depend on your situation. You can use a utility to decrypt it. It’s a relatively easy and fast solution since you can download and install a utility within minutes.
Utility Usage to Find Your Windows 7 Key
If you do have the original Microsoft CD, it is best to contact them directly. Otherwise, a software utility to locate the key would be of much help. Generally, these utilities are lightweight, and you can download and install one in minutes. You don’t have to be on queue to customer support, and you can re-use it in the future.
The majority of key finder utilities has a function that lets you save your Windows 7 Activation Key in a file so that you will never have to lose it again.
1. Download a key finder utility. You can find several good ones by searching on Google.
2. Install the app by following its instructions.
3. Open the app. Should it prompt for permission to run it as administrator, select Yes. This will enable the app to access your system registry.
4. The key finder utility will scan your system and display the product key.
Contacting Microsoft
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If you prefer talking to customer service, you will need to contact Microsoft for a key. Do note that you can only choose this option if you still have the original Windows 7 installation disc. When you reach their customer service line, tell their representative that you need a new product key. They will ask for your original installation CD key and provide you with a new one.
Alternative Option for New Keys
If you’re considering getting a new laptop and still want to use Windows 7, purchase a PC or laptop that offers you that option. The store will have the operating system installed by default. They will do the setup from start to finish, including driver installation and keying in the serial numbers.
When you go with this option, Windows 7 Professional is often the version you get. They don’t use Windows Home and the other versions anymore. If you’re one of the people who is looking for a Windows 7 activation key, some websites offer them.
For instance, you can find Windows 7 activation key variations from several sites. You will know that it is a Windows 7 key by looking at the 25-character code. It should be in the format of XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. This product key will activate your computer and verify its genuineness.
Staff Writer; Paul Hall