How to recover lost Microsoft Office 2013 Product Key after Windows 10 Reset PC

Question

Although the Windows Lost Product Key question has been asked before, this is slightly different. I did 'Reset this PC' from Windows 10 Recovery without taking a backup of the system or files. All my files were safe but the Licensed Microsoft Office 2013 was removed. I have unfortunately misplaced the MS Office 2013 Student and Home product box. I have also checked with Windows Helpdesk if any of my emails are associated with the MS Office and the Microsoft Account; sadly, none are.

I read that that the 'Reset' cleans the registry and removes the apps. I am thinking of two ways to try and find the key

1. Use all the Free Key finders around then buy a paid one if they don't work
2. Use Recuva or a similar tool to try and recover the deleted old Windows Registry files

Has anyone faced a similar issue or can you think of an alternate way to try and get the Key?

Answer 1

Has anyone faced a similar issue or can you think of an alternate way to try and get the Key?

No, I haven't wiped my computer without taking backup and haven't lost my product key either.

Performing data recovery to find registry, and try retrieve the product key sounds like worth a shot (I would try this as my last resort) but that could be an overkill when you can simply find proof of purchase and have Microsoft hand it over to you.

Meaning, even if you don't have an email address or phone number tied to a product is not a problem as long as you can provide a valid proof of purchase

What is a proof of purchase?

A proof of purchase is an electronic or a physical document that proves you purchased the licensed software from Microsoft or an authorized reseller and that you paid for it. Usually, the proof of purchase is a paid invoice or receipt, but it can also be a purchase report from your large account reseller showing the title of the software and the number of licenses you purchased.

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