The "license key has been revoked" error can usually be resolved through direct communication with the software vendor.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.
If you are posting because this happened to you personally, here is the context usually required to solve it:
Troubleshooting: "Beyond Compare 4 License Key Has Been Revoked"
Finding out your Beyond Compare 4 license has been revoked can be a major roadblock when you’re in the middle of a critical file comparison. This error typically signifies that Scooter Software has flagged the key as invalid or leaked. Here is a guide on why this happens and how to resolve it. Why is My License Key Revoked?
Public Leaks: The most common reason for revocation is that a key has been shared publicly on the internet. If the system detects a single-user key being used across too many unauthorized machines, it may be blacklisted.
Version Mismatch: While Beyond Compare 4 keys work for all minor updates (e.g., 4.1 to 4.4), they may show errors if used on a major new version (like version 5) unless an upgrade is purchased.
Accidental File Corruption: Sometimes the license file, BC4Key.txt, becomes corrupted or is deleted during a system update, leading the software to revert to "Trial Mode". How to Fix the Error
If you are seeing a "revoked" or "invalid" message, try these steps in order: 1. Locate and Reset Your License File
Manually removing the old registration data can sometimes "unstick" the error, allowing you to re-enter a valid key.
Windows: Go to %AppData%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\ and delete BC4Key.txt. Linux: Check /etc/BC4Key.txt or the installation directory. beyond compare 4 license key has been revoked
macOS: Registration is often stored in ~/Library/Application Support/Beyond Compare/. 2. Re-enter the Entire Key String
When re-registering, ensure you copy the entire block of text from the email Scooter Software sent you, including the --BEGIN-- and --END-- headers. Extra whitespace or missing characters will cause a "Bad License Key" error.
What do I do with a "Bad License Key" error? - Apryse documentation
I have written it from the perspective of Scooter Software (the developer) and also included a section for end users who might be seeing this error.
If you're unable to resolve the issue immediately and need to use the software:
If you want, I can draft an email to Scooter Software support with the details you provide (purchase date, order ID, serial) to request reinstatement.
The message "Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked" generally indicates that the license key has been leaked publicly or flagged for a violation of the License Agreement Common Reasons for Revocation Public Leakage:
The most frequent cause is when a private license key is shared on the internet. Scooter Software monitors for leaked keys and disables them to prevent unauthorized use. Agreement Breach: V4 License Agreement
, Scooter Software reserves the right to terminate a license immediately if they believe a breach has occurred. Incorrect Key Format: The "license key has been revoked" error can
While usually resulting in a "Bad License Key" error, an incomplete or incorrectly copied key (e.g., missing the headers) can cause registration failure. Beyond Compare Recommended Fixes
If you believe your license was revoked in error, follow these steps:
What do I do with a "Bad License Key" error? - Apryse documentation
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.
A "license key has been revoked" error in Beyond Compare 4 typically indicates that the key has been leaked publicly or flagged as pirated. To resolve this, you can try resetting the local license file or contacting official support for a replacement. Possible Solutions
Reset the License Locally: Deleting the local key file can sometimes clear the revocation status, allowing you to re-enter a valid key. Troubleshooting: "Beyond Compare 4 License Key Has Been
Windows: Delete the BC4Key.txt file located in %AppData%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\.
Linux: Check /usr/lib64/beyondcompare/BC4Key.txt and remove it if it exists.
Mac: Delete the registry.dat file found in /Users/[YourUsername]/Library/Application Support/Beyond Compare/.
Contact Scooter Software: If you have a legitimate purchase but your key is revoked, email support@scootersoftware.com. Include your serial number, original order email, or other purchase information so they can issue a new, secure key.
Recover a Lost Key: If you are unsure if you have the correct key, you can request a replacement via the Lost License Key page on the Scooter Software website. Common Causes for Revocation
Key Leaks: If a key is found on public forums or pirate sites, the developer may revoke it for all users to prevent unauthorized use.
Accidental Use of Pirated Keys: Users sometimes unintentionally deploy a leaked key found online instead of their actual purchased key.
Major Version Mismatches: A Beyond Compare 4 key will not work for Beyond Compare 5; ensure you are using the version that matches your license.
Do you have your original purchase email or 8-digit serial number to help with the recovery process? Old key not applicable for newer version? - Scooter Forums
Beyond Compare 4 is not abandonware. It is actively developed, and a license is an investment in your productivity. Here is the reality of the pricing.
Note: Scooter Software often runs 20-30% discounts during Black Friday or on St. Patrick’s Day (given their Irish roots).