When you need your preinstalled windows 7 key and don't have a sticker?

[Phaewryn]

How does one go about making a backup that saves the current valid windows key? I bought a refurbished laptop and it doesn't have the windows 7 sticker, and since I don't own a copy of this OS (other than on this machine, with no sticker), what can I do to "save" the key in case I ever need to reinstall the OS? I've never had a computer without the sticker before, have no idea what to do to save this if I ever need it.

 

[Jetster]

There are free programs that will show you the key. But do some research first some have malware

http://www.howtogeek.com/206329/how-to-find-your-lost-windows-or-office-product-keys/

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

 

[Solaris17]

Iv used magic jellybean personally, IIRC it was bundled with crap last time I tried it but if you watch your check boxes during the install you should get what you want.

 

[SomeOne99h]

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder
https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Been mentioned many times on the web. There is that OpenCandy on it, but it is not a real threat or malware. It is a "Potentially Unwanted Porgram" that doesn't stay on the computer. Some antivirus (antimalware) would like to overreact for it and might scares you to show you how awesome they are I think.

 

[Solaris17]

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder
https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Been mentioned many times on the web. There is that OpenCandy on it, but it is not a real threat or malware. It is a "Potentially Unwanted Porgram" that doesn't stay on the computer. Some antivirus (antimalware) would like to overreact for it and might scares you to show you how awesome they are I think.

What?

 

[95Viper]

NirSoft ProduKey v1.85 - Recover lost Windows product key (CD-Key) and Office 2003/2007 product key

Download the zip version you want.
Un-zip it, run it.
There is an install version, too.

Example pic from NirSoft web site:

 

[SomeOne99h]

That wikipedia page says it changes my home page, search provider and other stuff which doesn't happen to me or any of my friends when we install some apps that contains it. CCleaner for example.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware puts it under potentially Unwanted Porgram.

 

[Caring1]

That wikipedia page says it changes my home page, search provider and other stuff which doesn't happen to me or any of my friends when we install some apps that contains it. CCleaner for example.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware puts it under potentially Unwanted Porgram.

I suppose you like the ASK toolbar too

 

[SomeOne99h]

No lol.

EDIT: Could be this OpenCandy has different variants/versions that differ on thier behavior? I don't know.

 

[Frick]

That wikipedia page says it changes my home page, search provider and other stuff which doesn't happen to me or any of my friends when we install some apps that contains it. CCleaner for example.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware puts it under potentially Unwanted Porgram.

Ccleaner doesn't have it.

 

[SomeOne99h]

It used to have it before.

 

[Kursah]

NirSoft ProduKey v1.85 - Recover lost Windows product key (CD-Key) and Office 2003/2007 product key

Download the zip version you want.
Un-zip it, run it.
There is an install version, too.

Example pic from NirSoft web site:
View attachment 78056

Use this or Belarc. Magic Jellybean has gone south with extra junk. I prefer Belarc for those situations you need more details.

 

[R-T-B]

It used to have it before.

Possible that since the application closed June of this year, you aren't seeing ads because it simply is disabled.

PUP and malware is all unwanted software and thus should be avoided is the general point though.

 

[Melvis]

Belarc?

 

[95Viper]

Belarc?

Belarc Advisor

I use this, too. It gives a lot of info.
It is great for system auditing.

 

[Phaewryn]

Belarc worked great, no bloatware, very good program, thanks.

 

[Melvis]

Belarc worked great, no bloatware, very good program, thanks.

Just another day doing my job