recovering a win7 product id

[zigzag03]

I have a Dell that I had installed a retail version of 7 on a year ago. I gave it to a friend who decided to upgrade to 10, and the upgrade was unsuccessful. He backed it out to 7, but it's not seeing the original and legit key, and I can't find the retail box/disc from which I installed it. Looking in Control Panel/System I see what I would guess is a Dell product ID, as it has OEM in the middle of it. Using that does not work. Have tried a couple of the "find my key" products available, but what they find also do not work. Anyone got any thoughts on this? Thanks zz03

 

[C1]

This worked for me (but not involving the complication of a roll back from another OS):

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

You may also be interested in:

https://www.grc.com/never10.htm

 

[MustISO]

I use Produkey from Nirsoft.

 

[JackMDS]

I use Produkey from Nirsoft.

Yeah, the above is cleaner and more accurate than the others.

It is also a real portable Freeware.

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

 

[zigzag03]

Tried them all, they all produce a key, but the key doesn't work. Frustrating. Have rolled back others without needing the key, not sure why this one is wanting it. Will keep poking around.

Btw am using Never10 on all my own machines and telling all about it. Thanks guys.

 

[Ketchup]

So did the computer come with 7? If so, just put in the key from the Dell sticker. You may have to call MS about activation, but that would be easier that wiping and re-installing. If it is retail that's on it, there's no guarantee that it will work (as the stick would have a number for an OEM license), but it's worth a shot.

Do you know what reason MS gave for the failure of the upgrade to 10?

 

[zigzag03]

I do not know the particulars of the upgrade, I think it hung somewhere and didn't complete. Frankly in this case I'd just as soon get it to 10 and that will be the direction I'll take first. It's weekend work, like I have nothing better to do with my weekends, but whatever! Pretty ride you have there in the pic, Ketchup

 

[Ketchup]

I'll just say this... I have never run a copy of Windows 7 where any of the programs mentioned didn't pull the product key right up.

So, I would use my time to find the box Windows 7 came in, or talk to Dell about getting recovery media. But I wouldn't waste time trying to find a key that apparently is no longer there.

 

[AMDisTheBEST]

How about calling microsft. They may provide a replacement key.

 

[zigzag03]

I'll just say this... I have never run a copy of Windows 7 where any of the programs mentioned didn't pull the product key right up.

That's very interesting, and good to know. Trust me, i've looked for the packaging. Thought i'd given it to the person with the computer but they so no, so back in my lap. Appreciate the input, and will try taking the key to the phone and calling microsoft. Thanks all.