Can't locate Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit Product key

AppleUser58 · 19 Jan 2020

I have an old Dell 690 Precision Workstation that is running on WINDOWS 7 PRO 64 Bit.

I purchased this as a used certified workstation with Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit installed.

Tried numerous ways to "Find" the Product code.
Its stating that the Installed Key : "MAK key not available"
Line below states: OEM Key: Windows Vista OEM Marker present in firmware.

Should I just bite the bullet and buy WINDOWS 210 PRO & load it over my current Windows 7 Pro?

I rather not lose my existing datas and programs?

OR do I wipe it clean & install Windows 10 Pro & hope that my old software can be found & re-installed back on to my machine..

Any ideas would be helpful.

ALSO is it even worth rebuilding this old workhorse..

bro67 · 19 Jan 2020

You do mot need to buy another key. 10 will install Pro using that existing key. These are three ways to find all Microsoft Keys ( Microsoft, Windows and Office Products). Top 3 Ways to Find the Product Key on Windows 7

AppleUser58 · 19 Jan 2020

Bro67,

Question here, Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit, should the key be 20 or 25 numerical digits?

Is ProductID the same as Product Key?

Here is what I saw using SHOWKEYPLUS:

Product Name: Windows 7 Professional

Version: 7601.24544 (64-bit OS)

Product ID: XXXX1-14X-XXXX064-XXXX1

Installed Key: MAK key not available

OEM Key: Windows Vista OEM marker present in firmware.

----

I was expecting 25 numerical digits & not the second line message of MAK key not available.

Unsure at this point..

bro67 · 19 Jan 2020

I gave you a link with three other options. Use that one, especially the Profab tool.

Berton · 19 Jan 2020

I have a Notebook in a similar/same situation, found this about the MAK Product Key:

When Microsoft released Windows Vista they also released a new volume licensing model using two different types of software license keys: MAK and KMS.

MAK stands for Multiple Activation Key. Each MAK key is a good for a specific number of device activations. You configure a MAK key by typing it in during Windows Setup or by changing it through the System dialog after installation. When you try to activate your MAK-configured software it will connect to Microsoft’s activation service, verify the key, and subtract 1 from the number of activations still available. Because activation counts are not “returned” when you wipe a hard drive or reinstall your operating system, MAK keys are best suited for situations where machines are not reinstalled or re-imaged often. MAK is most appropriate on clients that spend a significant amount of time disconnected from the corporate network.

It's also an issue as Windows Vista is not on the usual list of upgrades available for Win10, starts with Win7. Mine is an ACER Aspire with that problem.

NavyLCDR · 19 Jan 2020

What does slmgr /dlv show?

Can't locate Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit Product key-capture.jpg

Golden · 19 Jan 2020

AppleUser58 said:

I purchased this as a used certified workstation with Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit installed.

This sounds like a Windows 7 volume licence (thats what the MAK reference means), and my understanding is that unless MS have changed the rules, they do not qualify for a free upgrade.

Im not sure how the upgrade route works if you try that with a purchased W10.

Berton · 19 Jan 2020

Vista doesn't qualify for the free Upgrade and wouldn't directly upgrade but would need to be a clean install.
How to upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 10 | Windows Central

SIW2 · 19 Jan 2020

Might be best to make an image backup before trying an upgrade.

You could also try dism++ toolkit>activebackup see what it finds
Dism++10.1.1000.100.zip

SEE HERE

AppleUser58 · 19 Jan 2020

Hey Gang, I'm on a Dell Forum and the majority of users there are split over upgrading such an old Server Grade Workstation. The workstation is old and drivers are not available. ALSO it just might not be worth it ot upgrade. I plan to salvage it with STAPLES, as they are now taking in all old peripherals to be carted away.