Windows 7 Key

Have you ever needed to reinstall Microsoft Windows 7 but have been unable to locate the product key? The Windows 7 key is usually located on a yellow sticker on the back of your computer, or on the bottom, if you own a laptop. Sometimes, the sticker will be located inside the CD sleeve of your software product, or in the software manual.

But, if for some reason you cannot locate the product key, you lose a valuable software license. You may also lose a great deal of time trying to hunt the key down, or searching various computer forums for a solution. You may be tempted to by another copy of Windows 7, instead of going through the hassle of finding another Windows 7 Key.

However, the Windows 7 key may actually be located on your computer. During the installation process, the Windows 7 setup program prompts you for your product key. Once the key is verified, Windows 7 stores the product key in your system registry, albeit in an encrypted form called the DigitalProductID. The DigitalProductID is located in the registry, under HklmMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionDigitalProductID. The DigitalProductID uniquely identifies your installation of Windows 7, and, under the hood, is a setting that tells the system that your copy of Windows 7 is fully activated and installed.

Now that you know that your product key is encrypted on your computer, you simply need to know how to decrypt it, or how to get a replacement product key. The method you choose depends on your situation. Using a utility to decrypt it is generally fast and easy, as you can download and install a Keyfinder utility in seconds. However, if you have an original CD from Microsoft, you may find it better to contact Microsoft directly.

Using a Utility to Find Your Windows 7 Key

The advantage of using a software utility to locate your Windows 7 key is that it can be done quickly and easily. Usually, the utilities are small in size and can be downloaded and installed in seconds. You won't have to wait, or pay for, customer support at Microsoft, and you can even save the utility and keep it for future use. Most keyfinder utilities also come with a function that allows you to save your Windows 7 Key to a file, so that you can keep it in a safe place and never lose it again.

1. Download a Keyfinder utility. These can be found by doing a Google search for "product key" or "windows 7 key"
2. Install the utility by following the onscreen instructions.
3. Run the utility. If you are prompted to run the utility as an administrator of your computer, choose "Yes," as the utility must be able to access your system registry
4. The utility scans your system and displays the product key

Contacting Microsoft For a New Key

If you don't mind waiting a while for customer service, you may need to contact Microsoft for a key. However you can only use this option if you still have the original Windows 7 installation CD. To do this, call the telephone number for Microsoft replacement parts at (800) 360-7561. Tell the representative you need a new product key. The representative will want to know a code on your original installation disk and will issue you a new key.

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