How do I find the product key for a pre-installed version of Microsoft Works?

[Laughing Lagomorph]

Hi. I bought a new computer, it came with various programs pre-installed, including Microsoft Works. When I open Microsoft Works it asks me for the product key, which it says I should be able to find on the CD case, or among the download information. Well, I didn't download it and there is no CD case, it was already on the computer. Apparently without entering the key I can use the product a limited number of times then I won't be able to anymore.

It's Windows 7 if that makes a difference.

(And please don't tell me how I should be using some other program or operating system, or I should get a Mac or whatever. This is what I have and for various reasons I don't want to get into I need to use it).

Thanks in advance for your helpful replies.

[Glazer]

The preinstalled versions are just a sample. You have to buy a license to use it more than a few times or to get full use of all features. There is probably some very fine print in the manual that came with your computer that says as much.

[Laughing Lagomorph]

The manual is almost completely about hardware, there's nary a word about software.


I don't have a problem with buying a license but it wasn't real obvious to me how I would do that. Let me have another couple of beers and take another crack at it.

[Glazer]

Is there not a link in the window that tells you how many uses you have.

[Myglaren]

Try Belarc Advisor or SiSoft Sandra Lite (Filehippo) they should root out the key for you.

[tunaman]

Try Belarc Advisor or SiSoft Sandra Lite (Filehippo) they should root out the key for you.

If the key had been entered, the program wouldn't be asking for it.

OP: Are you sure you didn't get a Works CD or a COA (certificate of authenticity) with the computer? If it's from a large OEM like Dell or HP, it should have been pre-activated, but if you bought it from a Mom and Pop shop, they might have forgotten.

Your best bet is to call the OEM and let them figure it out.

And Works is usually included for "free" with a new PC. It's Microsoft Office that comes in a trial version.