Product key not accepted (duplicataion)

I have just restored a saved version of a VM Windows 10 upgraded from Windows 7. It had a digital entitlement but the restored machine required activation. I chose what I thought was the Product Key of the Win 7 machine prior to the upgrade but it was rejected. I now realise that I may have used the wrong key but it raises a question.

How can you tell what Product Key you have used to activate an installation of Win10 which shows as activated?

Well I tried to use ShowKey but I could not understand the instructions.
Every time I tried to Retrieve key from backup it said the file SOFTWARE was in use.
I may be thick but it should be easier than this.

Superfly said:

No, you are not thick... my instructions should be more explicit...

Retrieving keys can only be done from a non-running Windows installation ( a.k.a backup) - the initial screen shows the keys found within the running system.
If there is a forward arrow it means it found a backup and automates the retrieve function.

Hmmm still a little confusing....because of the statement "Retrieving keys can only be done from a non-running Windows installation" Because it does find the only 2 keys ever used on this computer while it is running. The original key that came with this computer, and the upgraded key that I bought. I have many backups, but their is no way showkey could ever read them, because of its format. For my system Showkey works just prefect and displays the keys on my Running system with no problems.

MacNala said:

How can you tell what Product Key you have used to activate an installation of Win10 which shows as activated?

Does it store your 7 key at all if you upgrade though? I can't tell because I've since done a clean install so ShowKey only shows the generic 3V66T key. (I'm activated though digital entitlement).

Superfly said:

Ok, let's try another way:
The "Retrieve key from backup" function can only be done pointed at a non-running Windows installation ( a.k.a backup containing Windows files eg. Windows.old or mounted backup image)
The initial screen shows the keys found within the running system.
If there is a forward arrow it means it found a backup and automates the retrieve function.

Phew...! I so need a business analyst to do this stuff... LOL

I'm sorry Superfly..... was just making sure other people knew exactly what your GREAT program does. Has just more than one way to find keys. I love Showkey!!! :)

lx07 said:

Does it store your 7 key at all if you upgrade though? I can't tell because I've since done a clean install so ShowKey only shows the generic 3V66T key. (I'm activated though digital entitlement).

Did for me lx07, I did a clean install, and it still found original windows 8.1 home key AND my retail windows 10 pro key. I bought this key...

I could check my other computer, that is running windows 10 pro also, but upgraded from windows 7 ultimate. if you want.