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Windows 7 Key
GetFrodo
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I noticed that my friend's laptop's Windows sticker is becoming worn, so I wanted to record the key elsewhere before it is too late. One or two of the characters are unfortunately already illegible, so I downloaded and ran a key finder to confirm the key.
The key that the "finder" spurts out is completely different to the key on the sticker, and my friend has confirmed that they have never reinstalled Windows (it's an OEM copy).
So is this usual behaviour? Have I picked a useless key finder?
The key that the "finder" spurts out is completely different to the key on the sticker, and my friend has confirmed that they have never reinstalled Windows (it's an OEM copy).
So is this usual behaviour? Have I picked a useless key finder?
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It's also very common for the key to rub off the label underneath a laptop. It's a stupid, stupid design.
Yeah - a completely new install of Windows with the key you got from the program won't activate. You need the key on the sticker for that. If its no longer legible then you would have to try and contact the manufacturer and see if they'll give you a new key
Edit: Slow typing.
Under the bright flash there might be some remnants of the letters. Obviously a very sharp image is needed.
In Photoshop (or similar) it might be possible to enhance the contrast to be able to see the letters/numbers. I have done this before with labels for various things where the lettering is barely there.
One alternative to a digital camera would be a flat scanner, it would certainly be sharp and bright.
You would probably find that your recovery media wont actually ask for a key at all and instead just use the bulk one that you are looking at via the utility. Part of the OEM agreement requires the manufacturer to affix the sticker to the system unit. They don't have to use it though and most don't since there are other ways to control activation.
edit: Not used it recently, so no idea if it's still effective.
It's still effective at recovering a Windows key...but the issue is that the Windows key on an OEM machine will not match the key on the COA.
You might want to try reading the thread properly before responding to it.