How to recover w7 key from w7 installed OS

Try3 · 23 Apr 2020

So just upgrade to Windows 10 and it will be activated with a digital licence - your computer will be registered on the MS Activation servers allowing you to reinstall Windows 10 again in the future as many times as you like.

You can therefore do a clean install later if you want but have to endure doing an upgrade first.

Denis

RickC · 23 Apr 2020

SIW2 said:

Is it an slp key? Might be easier to do the gatherosstate.exe dance.

I always prefer doing a clean install rather than an inplace upgrade.The 'gatherosstate.exe dance' has always worked perfectly for me.

Hope this helps...

eLPuSHeR · 23 Apr 2020

I see I have two options here:

1. Install w10 from within w7 and wait for it to activate. Then recreate all partitions as previously intended and reinstall it from scratch.
2. The 'gatherosstate.exe dance'. How is it done?

PS - Ok I got instructions from the web. I will try the gatherosstate route first, because current w7 is partially broken and unstable.

idgat · 23 Apr 2020

Belarc adviser
Magic Jelly Bean

Alternatively, run a basic, low level, in situ upgrade and let Windows 10 identify the key. Once done and actiavted, it'll never be needed to be known or used again.

Then do a clean install ... auto activated, key not needed.

Superfly · 23 Apr 2020

eLPuSHeR said:

I think it must be an OEM key. Superfly's ShowKeyPlus said something about a key marker embedded in firmware.

The Win 7 OEM firmware marker is not related to the installed key - it however uses a SLP key to activate.

Run the key through the "Check Key" function - if it says SLP it can't be used on Win 10.

What you want is it to say COA in edition - that will work in Win 10.

eLPuSHeR · 23 Apr 2020

Okay. Marking thread as solved. The Gatherosstate worked fine. W10 is now installed and permanently activated.

Thanks everyone for your efforts.