Beyond Compare 4 License Key Has Been Revoked
Before you panic, realize that false positives are rare but possible. If you purchased your license directly from Scooter Software and have a receipt, follow these 7 steps to regain access.
The "license key has been revoked" error can usually be resolved through direct communication with the software vendor. Be prepared to provide proof of purchase and follow their guidance to reactivate your license or obtain a new one if necessary. If you're experiencing persistent issues, consider reaching out to a technical support specialist who might be able to provide additional guidance tailored to your specific situation.
The message "This license key has been revoked" Beyond Compare 4
typically signals that a serial number has been flagged for misuse or unauthorized distribution
. Here is a detailed look at why this happens and what the "story" behind a revoked key usually looks like. Why Keys Get Revoked
A license key is an encrypted text block that validates your copy of the software. Scooter Software revokes these keys primarily for two reasons: Public Leakage
: If a legitimate user's key is posted on a public forum, GitHub Gist, or "crack" site, the developer flags it. Once flagged, subsequent updates of Beyond Compare (e.g., moving from version 4.1 to 4.3) will recognize the key as invalid during the phone-home or validation process. Pirated Key Deployment
: Sometimes users inadvertently use a key found online instead of the one they actually purchased, or they buy a "discounted" key from an unauthorized third-party reseller that was originally a stolen or leaked corporate key. The Technical "Story" of Revocation The Trigger
: You download a minor update (like 4.4.7) or reinstall the software. The Validation : Beyond Compare checks the local BC4Key.txt file against its internal blacklist of known leaked keys.
: Instead of the green "Registered" checkmark, a red error message appears stating the key has been revoked. The Result : The software reverts to Evaluation Mode
, giving you 30 days of "trial" use before it stops functioning. How to Resolve It beyond compare 4 license key has been revoked
If you believe your key was revoked in error, the "happy ending" to this story involves reaching out to the developers directly: Email Support : Send your serial number and original order email to support@scootersoftware.com
. They can often verify your purchase and issue a fresh, secure key. Remove Old Credentials
: To enter a new, valid key, you may need to manually delete the revoked one. On Windows, this is usually found at %appdata%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\BC4Key.txt Free Upgrades
: Note that while minor updates (4.x to 4.y) are free, moving to a major version (like Beyond Compare 5) requires a new license key
, which may be why an old version 4 key appears "invalid" in the new version. Do you have your original purchase receipt serial number handy to verify with their support team? Beyond Compare 4 license for Windows, Mac, Linux · GitHub
The "license key has been revoked" error in Beyond Compare 4
typically indicates that the software's security system has flagged the key as invalid or blacklisted Beyond Compare Primary Reasons for Key Revocation Key Leaking/Piracy
: The most common cause is that a registered key has been leaked to the internet. Scooter Software flags keys found on public forums or "crack" sites to prevent unauthorized use. Accidental Use of Shared Keys
: If you are using a key from an unofficial source or if your purchased key was somehow compromised, it may be disabled. Version Mismatch (False Revocation)
: Sometimes an old key might not be applicable to a specific newer major version update, though major version 4 keys are generally valid for all 4.x minor updates. Malware Harvest Before you panic, realize that false positives are
: In some cases, "mod malware" can harvest valid keys, leading to them being shared and eventually revoked by the developer. Beyond Compare How to Resolve the Issue
If you have a legitimate, purchased license that has been revoked, follow these steps: Locate Your Original Order
: Gather your 8-digit serial number, the email address used for the purchase, or the original order confirmation. Contact Support Directly support@scootersoftware.com
. The support team can search their database to verify your purchase and provide a new, valid key if yours was compromised. Clean Up Old License Files
: Before entering a new key, you may need to remove the existing revoked key file to ensure a clean registration: BC4Key.txt %appdata%\scooter software\beyond compare 4\ or the program's installation folder. : Locate the BC4Key.txt (often in the Application Support folder) and remove it. Re-register the Software : Open Beyond Compare, go to Help > Enter Key , and paste the block of text from your license email, including the Beyond Compare For additional help, you can use the Scooter Software Lost Key Finder to retrieve all keys associated with your email address. Beyond Compare manually remove
specific registry entries that might be holding onto a revoked key? Old key not applicable for newer version? - Scooter Forums
If you own a valid license:
If you need a free option:
If you need to purchase:
I'm happy to help you compare file/folder diff tools, understand legitimate licensing options, or troubleshoot actual Beyond Compare usage issues - just not license circumvention. If you need a free option:
Here are a few options for a post, depending on where you are posting (e.g., a tech forum, social media, or a company update) and your specific situation.
If you're unable to resolve the issue immediately and need to use the software:
Typos happen. Navigate to Help > Enter License. Carefully re-enter your name and license key exactly as they appear on your purchase receipt. Ensure there are no extra spaces at the beginning or end.
Best for: Social media (Twitter/X, LinkedIn) or casual tech discussions.
Post: Woke up to a nasty surprise this morning: my Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked. 🚫
It looks like the key I’ve been using (which may have been a shared corporate key or an old promotional one) has finally been blacklisted by Scooter Software.
While I love the tool, I can’t justify the cost of a new license right now. Does anyone have recommendations for a solid alternative? I mainly use it for folder syncing and code diffs.
Current contenders:
Let me know what you’re using!
Date: [Current Date] Product: Beyond Compare 4