Does anyone know how to install a new serial on a working copy of Windows 7 - I get notified that my software is not genuine but cannot reenter the serial
Serial numbers for these versions are emailed to you after you place an order or can be found in Autodesk Account. If you have physical media (a DVD or USB key) for a 2013 or earlier product, your serial number and product key will be printed on the label of the product packaging. Example of label from 2011 version.
bwDraco3 Answers
You will be able to enter a new key when you try to activate Windows.
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to System.
- Click Activate Windows. (In case it is not activated) / Click Change Product Key on the lower half (In case it was previously activated).
- It will ask for a new Serial key.
One easy method is to change the key via the command prompt:
- Click the Start orb
- Type
cmdand press Shift+Ctrl+Enter to open an elevated command prompt. - Type in
slmgr.vbs -ipkfollowed by your new key - Type
slmgr.vbs -atoto re-activate if necessary.
go to Control PanelAll Control Panel ItemsSystem 'Change product key' is at the bottom.
protected by Community♦Dec 7 '14 at 13:27
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If you're preparing to reinstall a program or an operating system (like a clean install of Windows), you'll need to find your unique product key (CD key) or serial number before continuing.
Normally this product key is located on the original install disc, or maybe in your order confirmation email. If you've lost your product key, you can often find it in the Windows Registry but this can be difficult, or sometimes even impossible, to do. Fortunately, there are many free key finder programs available to help.
Please read our Key Finder Programs FAQ for lots of helpful information. This isn't an easy topic, especially if you're new to it.
Below are the top 21 free key finder programs. We also keep a list of commercial key finder programs but it's highly recommended that you exhaust the options below before paying for one.
Belarc Advisor
What We Like
Finds keys for newer versions of Windows
Also locates MS Office keys
Shows other information about your computer
Very small download size
Lets you copy information to the clipboard
What We Don't Like
Can't be used portably (you have to install it)
Belarc Advisor is the standard when it comes to system information software. I've been using this program for many, many years. One small aspect of Belarc Advisor is its ability to extract product keys for many software programs, including the one for Windows.
Advantages include a display of information in your browser window, no adware/toolbars to worry about, and an extensive list of other important computer data.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems:Windows 10, Windows 8 & 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2012/2008/2003, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows ME, Windows 98, and Windows 95.
Finds Keys for Other Software:Microsoft Office 2013, 2010, (plus all previous versions), Microsoft enterprise products, most programs from Adobe, Nero, Corel, and more, as well as keys for popular video games.
Please try Belarc Advisor for your software and Windows key finding needs before any other program. It's likely to provide you with the best results.
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder
What We Like
Very simple interface that's easy to understand
Will find your Windows 10 key as well as keys for older OSs
The product keys are listed automatically so you don't have to click anything
Product keys can be saved to a file or copied to the clipboard
Includes advanced features like the option to view remote product keys
What We Don't Like
Doesn't find keys for newer MS Office programs
The program is sometimes identified as a virus in antivirus programs
Setup tries to install other, unrelated programs along with MJB Keyfinder
The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder program is a free utility that retrieves product keys from the registry. It also has the ability to find product keys for Microsoft Office programs, along with product keys from many other non-Microsoft programs.
Advantages include very small size, ease of use, instant display of product keys, and multiple product key saving options.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 98, and Windows 95.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2007, Office 2003, Office XP, and several non-Microsoft programs.
The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder website says that this free key finder will find your Office 2010 product key but in fact, it does not, at least as of v2.0.10.13.
Winkeyfinder
What We Like
Very easy to use
Finds keys for Windows and Microsoft Office
Works as a portable program
You can save the results or print them off
Lets you change product keys in some operating systems
Shows results instantly
What We Don't Like
Unable to locate the MS Office 2016 product key
Some of the advanced options might be confusing if you're new to key finders
The Winkeyfinder program is another free utility that retrieves product keys from the Windows registry.
Advantages include small program size, no installation required, and additional features such as the ability to change registered user information.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, and Windows 98.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, XP, 2000 SP2, and 97.
Although the program doesn't state that it supports MS Office 2016, and so, therefore, shouldn't be expected to, that is one of the only Microsoft-related product keys that Winkeyfinder will not find.
Keyfinder Thing
What We Like
Installs quickly
Provides a very minimal and easy-to-understand interface
Shows keys for Windows, MS Office, and other programs
You can export the keys to save them to a file
What We Don't Like
Shows a key for Windows 10 and 8 but it isn't correct
Setup might try to install an unnecessary program
Loads slower than other key finder programs
Keyfinder Thing is another free, easy to use utility that finds product keys and serial numbers hidden in the Windows registry.
Advantages include small program size, nothing to run, and support for a large list of non-Microsoft programs.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 2003 Server, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows ME.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2007, Office 2003, Office XP, Microsoft Money, Nero, Corel Suite, The Sims, and many more programs.
Keyfinder Thing doesn't find the right product keys for Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows NT, even though one may show up in the results. I tested it in Windows XP and didn't find issues.
Product Key Finder
What We Like
Finds keys for Windows 7 and older OSs
Uncluttered and minimal UI couldn't be easier to use
Lets you export the product keys to a file
You can also find keys from a registry file
What We Don't Like
Doesn't show Windows 10/8 product keys
Setup might attempt to install another program to your computer
Includes zero advanced features (which you may or may not want depending on what you plan to do)
The not-so-originally-named Product Key Finder tool is actually a pretty good key finder program.
After executing Product Key Finder, a simple window opens displaying your Windows product key along with other product keys and serial numbers that Product Key Finder can locate.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 & 2003, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows NT.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Most Microsoft and Adobe applications, more than 200 in all according to the Product Key Finder website.
Unfortunately, Product Key Finder doesn't find keys in Windows 8 or Windows 10.
ProduKey
What We Like
Includes all the features you'd expect in a Microsoft-based key finder tool
Shows keys for Windows 10, MS Office, and other Microsoft programs
Can show keys from a registry file or remote computer
Lets you copy and export keys for backup
You don't have to install it (it's portable)
What We Don't Like
Unlike some key finder tools, you can't use this one to find product keys for non-Microsoft programs
Novice users can be easily confused because results include both a Product ID and a Product Key column
ProduKey is another completely free and easy to use key finder tool.
The thing I liked best about ProduKey is how easy it is to do advanced key finder tasks like loading product keys from remote registries.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, Exchange Server, and SQL Server.
Everything worked fine for me with ProduKey when I used it in Windows 10 and Windows 8.
Windows Product Key Finder Pro
What We Like
Finds keys for Windows 7 and older Windows versions, plus MS Office
The program size is small, so it's quick to download
The software is fully portable, so no install is necessary
Keys display instantly without having to click any buttons
Product keys can be backed up to a file or printed
The application is very easy to use and read results from
What We Don't Like
Windows 10 and Windows 8 are supposedly supported, but it won't find keys for them
Hasn't been updated since 2013
Confusing download page
Only finds keys for Microsoft programs
Security software might falsely identify it as a threat
Gear Box's Windows Product Key Finder Pro is another fantastic utility that can find your Windows product keys. It can also find product keys for several Microsoft Office programs.
Advantages include a very small download size, the ability to run it from a flash drive or other portable device, no compressed files to extract, and nothing to run to display the keys. Windows Product Key Finder Pro instantly displays product keys and allows you to save or print them for safe keeping.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, and Office XP.
It's said that both Windows 10 and Windows 8 are supported, but I was unable to find the product key when I tested v2.5.
Don't let the name fool you. The 'Pro' in Windows Product Key Finder Pro doesn't mean it costs — it's actually absolutely free to use.
WinGuggle
What We Like
Locates product keys for Windows 7 and older versions of Windows
Finds the product keys quickly and automatically
Keys can be copied from the program
The program is portable
Supports OEM editing
Also functions as a system information tool
What We Don't Like
Might give false product keys for Windows 10 and Windows 8
Doesn't show keys for non-Microsoft applications
Each time the program is started, a web page opens
The program opens slower than similar key finder tools
WinGuggle is a very simple key finder program. WinGuggle easily finds product keys for popular Microsoft Windows operating systems and several Microsoft Office programs.
Major advantages include a quick download size, no installation required, access to a few advanced tools, and a very simple interface. WinGuggle instantly displays your Windows and Office product keys.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, and Office XP.
Though WinGuggle supports Windows 8, Windows 10, and MS Office 2013, it, unfortunately, did not find the correct keys when I tried it.
LicenseCrawler
What We Like
Will find product keys for Windows 10 and older newer Windows OSs
The program is easy to use
Also locates Microsoft Office keys
Finds product keys for non-Microsoft programs, too
The software is portable (no install is necessary)
You can scan a remote computer for product keys
Keys can be copied or saved to a file
What We Don't Like
Unlike some product key finders, the results include lots of information that many won't find useful, such as registry information
Lists product keys for programs that don't use one, such as Internet Explorer
LicenseCrawler is another well put together free key finder tool.
LicenseCrawler differs from other key finder programs in its almost full-text interface, which I like. I found LicenseCrawler to be very effective at finding serial numbers for the many programs on my PC.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows 2000.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, most Adobe products, and many more.
I was able to test LicenseCrawler in Windows 10 and Windows 8 without finding any problems.
SIW
What We Like
Keys can be found for Windows 7, Vista, XP, and other older OSs
Also finds product keys for MS Office and lots of other non-Microsoft programs
Shows lots of other information about your computer
Small download size
What We Don't Like
Windows 10/8 are not supported
The program no longer gets updated
There's a lot of extra information beyond product keys, which can be overwhelming
SIW (System Information for Windows) is a portable program that displays tons of detailed information on your Windows installation and hardware devices.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000, and Windows NT.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, Office XP and other Microsoft products as well as non-Microsoft applications like Adobe products, Norton, Nero, AutoCAD, and 150+ others
SIW is no longer in development, but even though no new updates have been released in a long while, it's still a great program.
RockXP
What We Like
Finds the product key for Windows Vista, XP, and older Windows versions
Locates the MS Office key in some versions of the program
The application is portable
Also lets you change the Windows XP product key
A password generator is included
Can find user passwords for some accounts on the computer
What We Don't Like
Supports only really old versions of Windows
Hasn't been updated in a very long time
Your AV software might identify the program as malware
RockXP is another free program that retrieves lost product keys from the registry.
Advantages include small program size, no installation required, and additional features such as a password generator and password retriever.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows XP (officially) and also Windows Vista, Server 2003, 2000, ME, and 98.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2007 and Office 2003.
I tried running RockXP in Windows 10 and Windows 7 but none of the menus seemed to work, rendering the program useless, which means it probably works in Windows XP and Windows Vista only.
SterJo Key Finder
What We Like
Shows product keys for MS Office and hundreds of other software programs
Finds keys for Windows 10 and other versions of Windows
Results are easy to understand
Lets you search through the product key results
Free for personal and business use
What We Don't Like
The product key list can become overwhelming if all you need is the key for Windows
Sometimes shows more than one product key for the same software
Setup might try to install another program along with the key finder
SterJo Key Finder is another key finder that finds product keys for over 500 games and software on either the local Windows install (your computer) or a remote one.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, Office XP, Microsoft Money, Microsoft Works, and lots of other Microsoft and non-Microsoft programs like Adobe, Autodesk, Cyberlink, and others.
SterJo Key Finder is a great way to find product keys because the program is easy to read, you can search through the results, and it supports a huge number of products.
Unfortunately, SterJo Key Finder found two different product keys for one of the programs on my computer, which makes it hard to recommend above some of the other programs from this list.
Product Key Finder (OTT Solutions)
What We Like
Results are easy to read
Lets you save the product keys it finds
Runs in portable mode
Reveals the product key for Windows 7 and older Windows OSs
You can change the Windows product key with this tool
What We Don't Like
The last update released was in 2009
Shows incorrect keys for Windows 10 and Windows 8
Product Key Finder won't win any creative name contests but that's not important — it's a very good key finder program.
I like Product Key Finder because it's designed very well, instantly finds product keys, allows an easy XML or CSV backup of keys found, and also lets you change your Windows registration or product key right from the tool.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 & 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Most Microsoft Office and other Microsoft programs, and many non-Microsoft applications.
I tested Product Key Finder in Windows 8 and Windows 10 but, unfortunately, the product key it showed was incorrect.
MSKeyViewer Plus
What We Like
Locates keys for dozens of software programs
Finds the Windows 7 key and keys for older Windows versions
Supports some MS Office programs
It doesn't need to be installed
Includes other Windows information like the service pack level
Keys can be copied to the clipboard
What We Don't Like
Windows 10 and Windows 8 keys found by this program are most likely incorrect
Hasn't been updated in a long time
Advanced features are hard to access
MSKeyViewer Plus is another good product key finder program.
Major advantages include a really small size, no install needed, and super easy interface. MSKeyViewer Plus instantly displays product keys–no scanning of your registry required.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 95/98, and Windows Server 2008 & 2003. 64-bit versions are also supported.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, Office XP, Office 2000, Windows Server 2012 & 2008, plus a long list of other Microsoft and non-Microsoft programs.
Though the other Windows 8 compatible programs from this list were able to find the product key for my installation, MSKeyViewer Plus wasn't able to do so.
I'd probably pick several other key finders before MSKeyViewer Plus, but if you're having trouble finding a specific key, give MSKeyViewer a try.
MSKeyViewer Plus may find a key for your Windows 10 installation, but it's probably going to be incorrect just like mine was.
Free PC Audit
What We Like
Scans for keys automatically
Doesn't require installation
Shows keys for Windows 10 and other newer (and older) Windows OSs
Identifies Microsoft Office product keys
Shows product keys for a few non-Microsoft programs
Includes a wealth of hardware information
What We Don't Like
Can seem cluttered if you're not interested in all the other results
The initial auto-scan might take a while to complete
You can't export just the product key information to a file
Free PC Audit is a system information tool that shows not only hardware information but also product keys for several Windows and Microsoft Office installs.
It's very small, completely portable, scans automatically, and lets you easily copy out product keys.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and probably older versions as well.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, 2007, Office 2003, and likely some older versions, as well as some Adobe and Corel software.
Because there's so much other information shown in Free PC Audit, it can seem very cluttered if you're using it just for finding product keys.
Windows Product Key Viewer
What We Like
Supports recent and old versions of Windows
Results are clear and easy to read
Shows additional information beyond the product key
No need to install the program (it's portable)
The key can be copied to the clipboard
What We Don't Like
When printing or exporting, you can't save just the product key; all the other information is included as well
Windows Product Key Viewer is another key finder program that shows the product key for several versions of Windows.
You can easily copy the product key out of the program, print the keys, or save them to a file. Additional details are shown as well, such as the product ID, install date, and build number.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 98, Windows 95, and Windows Server 2008/2003
Due to Windows Product Key Viewer's small size and portability, it's a great product key finder to store on a flash drive.
Lazesoft Windows Key Finder
What We Like
Finds the Windows 10 key and keys for other newer and older Windows OSs
Locates Microsoft Office keys
Very portable (small download size and no installation necessary)
The program interface is extremely easy to use
The key can be saved to a file or the clipboard
What We Don't Like
Some MS Office keys can't be found even though they're listed as being supported
Doesn't show keys for non-Microsoft programs
Lazesoft Windows Key Finder is another free program that can find the product key for many Windows installs and Microsoft Office versions.
The program is small, completely portable, and simple to read. You can print or save the product keys to a file.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2012/2008/2003.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2016, 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, and Office 2000.
Though Microsoft Office 2013 and 2016 is supported, I was unable to use Lazesoft Windows Key Finder to locate those keys in Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7.
Product Key Informer
What We Like
Finds product keys for some versions of Windows and MS Office
The keys are easy to read
Lets you save the keys to the clipboard
Able to search the network for product keys on other computers
Entirely portable (no installation necessary)
What We Don't Like
Supports older software only
Doesn't let you back up the product keys to a file
Product Key Informer is another free product key finder program but it finds product keys for only a few Microsoft programs other than the operating system.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, and Windows 98.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2007, Office 2003, and Office XP.
Honestly, I didn't care much for Product Key Informer. I think it was the baked-in fields for specific product keys that bothered me. It's a waste of screen real estate and confirms that the program's product key finding abilities are very limited.
Windows Product Key Finder
What We Like
Locates keys for Windows 7 and older Windows versions
The download size is small
You don't have to install the program
The key can be copied
Shows other useful OS information
What We Don't Like
Although the software technically works in newer versions of Windows, the product key it finds is not correct
Doesn't show the key automatically
You can't save the product key to a file
Windows Product Key Finder is only 80 KB in size, is completely portable, and quickly shows the product key.
Cwhl2rp Request New Serial Key Code
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.
When compared to other key finder programs from this list, Windows Product Key Finder is extremely basic and void of support for anything but the Windows OS. Also, while it is able to open in Windows 8 and 10, the product key it finds is inaccurate.
Game Key Revealer
What We Like
Photoshop Cs6 New Serial Key
Finds the keys for a huge variety of video games
Lets you export the product keys to a file
The application is 100 percent portable
Supports changing the key for some games
What We Don't Like
Doesn't show product keys for any other kinds of software
Hasn't been updated since 2014, so it might not support newer games
Game Key Revealer shows the product keys of over 2000 games.
It's completely portable, takes up very little space, and can export keys to a text file or print them off.
Finds Keys for Games: Half-Life, Battlefield 2, Counter-Strike, Mirror's Edge, Halo, Need for Speed, Dead Space, Crysis, Harry Potter, and many more.
In addition to showing the product keys for a few thousand games, keys for nearly two dozen can actually be changed with Game Key Revealer, which could come in handy.
Abelssoft's MyKeyFinder
What We Like
Works in Windows 10 and older Windows versions
Shows keys for MS Office programs and some non-Microsoft applications
You can block areas of the registry where you don't want to scan for keys
Multiple ways to save the keys
You can find keys quickly by searching through the results
What We Don't Like
Takes a while to scan for product keys
Might show keys for programs that don't use product keys
Not all features are free; you have to pay to enable them
Asks you to donate each time you close the software
MyKeyFinder lets you save product keys to a PDF file or to the clipboard. You can also send one or more keys to a printer.
You can search through the list of install keys it finds and even blacklist registry keys to avoid finding serials in those locations.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.
Cwhl2rp Request New Serial Key Codes
Finds Keys for Other Software: VMware, some Microsoft Office products, and others.
While testing MyKeyFinder, I found that a scan takes much longer to complete than any of the other programs from this list. Also, it found keys for programs (hundreds of them) that don't actually use serials, as well a key for Microsoft Office 2013 that wasn't correct.
Important Product Key Finder Information (Windows Product Keys)
If your system was purchased with Microsoft Windows pre-installed and you have not reinstalled it or upgraded it yourself, a key finder may only find the generic product key that your PC manufacturer used to install Windows. This product key may not work when attempting to reinstall Windows. In this case, you must use the unique product key that is on the sticker attached to your computer case.
Idm New Serial Key
If you can't locate your product key sticker you'll need to request a new Windows product key.