Beyond Compare 4 License Key Has Been Revoked: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
If you’ve opened your favorite file comparison tool only to be greeted by the dreaded message, "Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked," you aren’t alone. Scooter Software, the developers behind the app, are known for their robust yet fair licensing system, but they do take action when keys are compromised. Why Was My License Key Revoked?
There are typically three reasons why a Beyond Compare 4 key is flagged and disabled: 1. The Key Was Leaked Publicly
This is the most common reason. If a legitimate license key is posted on a forum, a "crack" site, or a public GitHub repository, it will eventually be crawled by the developers. Once a key is known to be in the public domain, it is added to a "revocation list" in the software’s next update. 2. Excessive Activations
Standard "Per-User" licenses allow you to use the software on multiple machines, provided you are the only one using it. However, if a single-user key is suddenly used to activate hundreds of instances across different IP addresses, the system flags it as a "pirated" or "leaked" key and revokes it. 3. Use of "Keygen" or Illegal Generators
If you obtained your key from a third-party generator or a "free license" website, chances are you are using a blacklisted string of characters. These keys are often temporary and are blocked as soon as the software verifies its license database. How to Fix the "License Key Revoked" Error
If you are seeing this message, the software will likely revert to "Trial Mode" or stop functioning entirely. Here is how to resolve the issue: Step 1: Remove the Revoked Key
Before you can enter a new key, you often need to clear the old, "poisoned" license data.
On Windows: Go to %AppData%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4 and delete the file named BC4Key.txt.
On macOS: Look in ~/Library/Application Support/Beyond Compare and remove the BC4Key.txt file. Step 2: Verify Your Purchase
If you believe your key was revoked in error (for example, if you bought a legitimate copy but shared it with too many colleagues), contact Scooter Software Support. They are famously helpful and can often reset your activation count or issue a replacement key if you can provide proof of purchase. Step 3: Purchase a Legitimate License
If you were using a "found" key, the only permanent solution is to buy a license. Beyond Compare is one of the few remaining "buy it once, keep it forever" productivity tools (no subscriptions!). Standard Edition: Great for basic file and folder compares.
Pro Edition: Adds 3-way merging, SFTP support, and folder syncing. The Risks of Using "Cracked" Keys
Aside from the annoyance of your key being revoked, using pirated keys for Beyond Compare 4 poses security risks. Many sites offering "BC4 License Key Generators" bundle malware, keyloggers, or miners with their downloads. Since Beyond Compare is often used to handle sensitive source code and server data, keeping the environment secure is worth the investment. Conclusion
Seeing a "license revoked" message is a signal that it’s time to clean up your installation. Whether it’s reaching out to support to fix a legitimate oversight or finally buying a seat for your workstation, a valid license ensures you get the latest security updates and full functionality of this essential power-user tool.
The "license key has been revoked" error in Beyond Compare 4
typically occurs if a key is flagged for being leaked publicly or if a pirated key is used instead of a purchased one. Common Reasons for Revocation
Key Leaked Online: If a valid key is found on public forums or gist repositories, Scooter Software may revoke it to prevent widespread unauthorized use.
Pirated Keys: Using keys from unauthorized sources rather than the official Scooter Software store often results in revocation.
Version Mismatch: While minor updates are free, some keys are version-specific; ensure your key is valid for Version 4. How to Fix the Error Beyond Compare 4 license for Windows, Mac, Linux · GitHub
Solving the "Beyond Compare 4 License Key Has Been Revoked" Error
It can be incredibly frustrating to open your go-to file comparison tool only to find your valid license key has been revoked. This typically occurs when a registered key is leaked to the internet or accidentally replaced by a pirated version.
Here is how you can resolve this issue and get back to work. 1. Why Was My Key Revoked?
Key Leakage: If your unique license key ends up on public forums or gist sites, Scooter Software may revoke it to prevent widespread piracy.
Pirated Key Conflict: Sometimes users inadvertently install a "cracked" version of the software that includes a public (and subsequently revoked) key, which can overwrite their legitimate one.
Version Mismatch: While Beyond Compare 4 licenses work for all minor updates (e.g., 4.1 to 4.4), they are not valid for major version upgrades like Beyond Compare 5. 2. Immediate Fix: Re-entering Your Original Key
Sometimes the application’s registration file becomes corrupted. You can often fix this by manually clearing the old data: Locate the License File:
Windows: Delete BC4Key.txt located in %appdata%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\.
macOS: Look for the key file in ~/Library/Application Support/Beyond Compare/.
Restart & Register: Open Beyond Compare 4, go to Help > Enter Key, and paste your entire original license key (including the --- BEGIN LICENSE KEY --- and --- END LICENSE KEY --- lines). 3. How to Get a Replacement Key
If you have a legitimate purchase but your key is still showing as revoked, do not panic. Scooter Software offers several ways to recover or replace your license:
Check Your Account: Login to your account to view all keys associated with your email address.
Contact Support: Email support@scootersoftware.com with your original order email or 8-digit serial number. They can often issue a replacement key if yours was compromised.
Upgrade if Necessary: If you are trying to use a version 4 key on version 5, check the Upgrade Center to see if you qualify for a free or discounted update. 4. Avoiding Future Revocations beyond compare 4 license key has been revoked
Keep it Private: Never share your key on public repositories or company-wide Slack channels.
Backup Your Key: Keep a copy of your registration email in a secure password manager.
Download Officially: Only download installers directly from the Official Scooter Software Site to avoid bundled malware or pirated keys.
Do you need help finding your 8-digit serial number to contact support?
Pro version key for Beyond Compare - v4.2.3.22587 - GitHub Gist
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.
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
The message "This license key has been revoked" in Beyond Compare 4
typically indicates that the software’s developer, Scooter Software, has officially invalidated the license key. When this happens, the application reverts to trial or evaluation mode. Common Reasons for Revocation
Public Leakage: The most frequent cause is a purchased key being leaked to the internet. If Scooter Software identifies a key being shared on forums or "warez" sites, they revoke it to prevent unauthorized use.
Pirated Keys: If you obtained a key from an unofficial source (third-party websites or key generators), it may have been flagged and disabled by the developer.
Breach of Terms: Under the License Agreement, Scooter Software reserves the right to terminate the agreement immediately if they believe a user has breached the terms.
Refund/Return: If a refund was issued (rare and usually within 30 days of purchase), the associated key is revoked. Troubleshooting and Solutions
If you believe your key was revoked in error, or if you accidentally used a leaked key instead of your legitimate one, follow these steps: Pricing - Beyond Compare
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.
Getting the message that your Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked is a major roadblock, especially if you rely on the software for critical file merging and data synchronization.
This error typically triggers when the software's validation system identifies an issue with your specific license string. Why Was Your Beyond Compare 4 Key Revoked?
Scooter Software, the developers of Beyond Compare, generally revoke keys for a few specific reasons:
Public Leakage: If a private license key is posted on a "serial key" website, a forum, or a public GitHub repository, it is added to a blacklist. Once the software checks in with the activation server, it identifies the leaked key and disables it.
Refunded Purchases: If a user requests a refund for their purchase, the associated license key is immediately invalidated.
Pirated or "Cracked" Keys: Many "free" keys found online are generated by keygens or belong to stolen credit card purchases. These are eventually caught and revoked in bulk updates. Beyond Compare 4 License Key Has Been Revoked:
License Type Violations: In rarer cases, if a single-user license is being used simultaneously by hundreds of different IP addresses, it may be flagged for suspicious activity. How to Fix the "License Key Has Been Revoked" Error
If you are seeing this message, the software will likely revert to "Trial Mode" or stop functioning entirely. Here is how to resolve the situation: 1. Locate Your Original Purchase Email
If you believe the revocation was a mistake, find your original "Proof of Purchase." Check your email for a message from Scooter Software or their payment processor. Compare the key in that email to the one currently entered in the software (Help > About Beyond Compare). 2. Contact Scooter Software Support
If you bought a legitimate license and it’s being flagged as revoked, do not try to "hack" it. Reach out to the Scooter Software support team. Provide your name, the email used for the purchase, and the license key in question. They are known for excellent customer service and can usually clear up a false positive quickly. 3. Remove the Revoked Key
To enter a new, valid key, you first need to clear the old one.
On Windows: Go to C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4 and delete the BC4Key.txt file.
On macOS: Look in ~/Library/Application Support/Beyond Compare/ for the key file and remove it.Once deleted, restart the program; it will prompt you to enter a new license. 4. Purchase a Legitimate License
If you were using a key found online, the only permanent solution is to purchase a genuine license. Beyond Compare is one of the few professional tools that still offers a perpetual license—meaning you pay once and own that version forever. The Risks of Using "Free" Revoked Keys
Searching for "Beyond Compare 4 license key cracks" is risky. Sites offering these keys often bundle them with:
Malware and Keyloggers: Executables used to "patch" the software often contain scripts that steal your browser data or passwords.
Unstable Performance: Cracked versions often crash or fail during large file comparisons, which can lead to data corruption. Conclusion
A revoked license is the software’s way of saying the current credentials are no longer valid. If you're a professional who values your data integrity, the safest and most efficient path forward is to support the developers with a legitimate purchase or contact their support team to rectify a genuine billing error.
If you see a message stating that your Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked
it usually indicates that the software has detected a key that has been leaked, blacklisted, or associated with unauthorized distribution Why This Happens The key was leaked on the internet:
If a valid key is publicly shared on forums or repositories, the developer (Scooter Software) will revoke it in subsequent minor updates to prevent piracy. Use of a pirated key:
If you obtained the key from a third-party keygen, crack site, or unofficial sharing hub, it will eventually be flagged and blocked by the software. Accidental deployment:
In corporate environments, an administrator or user might have mistakenly deployed a public or invalid key instead of the company's actual purchased license key. How to Resolve the Issue 1. If you are a legitimate paying customer:
Do not attempt to use workaround hacks. Instead, reach out directly to Scooter Software support. Email them at support@scootersoftware.com Include your serial number email address
used for the original order, or any other proof of purchase. They will locate your valid order and issue you a clean, unrevoked license key. 2. If you need to clear the revoked key to enter a new one:
If the software is locked and won't let you overwrite the bad key, you can manually clear the stored license data to revert the software back to evaluation/trial mode or input a fresh, valid key: On Windows: Close Beyond Compare. %APPDATA%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\
and delete all files in that folder (this removes the stored BC4Key.txt (Optional)
To clear the system cache ID, open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4" /v "CacheID" /f Close the application.
Open a terminal and delete the configuration folder by running: rm -rf ~/.config/bcompare Close the application. Delete the support folder located at: ~/Library/Application Support/Beyond Compare 4/
on how to retrieve a lost license key directly from the official Scooter Software website? 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
: 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 Resale or Transfer : If you're transferring the
. 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
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:
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
Understanding the " Beyond Compare 4 License Key Has Been Revoked" Error Encountering the message "This license key has been revoked" Beyond Compare 4
can be a frustrating roadblock for your workflow. This error typically occurs when the software’s validation system identifies an issue with the authenticity or status of your registration key Why is My License Key Revoked?
There are several primary reasons Scooter Software might revoke a Beyond Compare 4 license key: Public Leakage
: If a purchased key is leaked to the internet (e.g., posted on public forums or GitHub), it is often blacklisted by the developers to prevent unauthorized use. Use of Pirated Keys
: Sometimes, users inadvertently use a key found online rather than the official one sent in their order email. Version Incompatibility
: While minor updates (e.g., 4.x to 4.y) are free, using an older key for a major version upgrade it wasn't purchased for can sometimes trigger registration errors that look like revocation. Expired Evaluation/Temporary Keys
: Some keys are issued with specific expiration dates; once this date passes, the key is no longer valid. How to Fix the Revoked Key Error
If you are seeing this error, follow these steps to restore your access: Locate Your Official Key
: Check your original order email. Ensure you are copying the entire key string , including the --- BEGIN LICENSE KEY --- --- END LICENSE KEY --- Clean the Old License Data
: If the software keeps "remembering" the revoked key, you may need to manually remove it: BC4Key.txt %appdata%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\ or the program folder. : Remove the configuration directory located at ~/.config/bcompare/ Contact Support
: If you purchased the license legitimately and believe the revocation was a mistake, email support@scootersoftware.com . Include your 8-digit serial number
, order email, and any other purchase details so they can issue a replacement. Avoid Third-Party "Fixes"
: Be wary of scripts or "cracked" versions found online. These are often the very reason keys get revoked and can expose your system to security risks. Tips for Valid Licensing Buy Beyond Compare
A "license key has been revoked" error in Beyond Compare 4 typically indicates that a key previously associated with your installation has been flagged or leaked. Common Reasons for Revocation
Key Leaked Online: If a purchased key is shared or found on public forums, the developers (Scooter Software) may revoke it to prevent unauthorized use.
Accidental Piracy: Users sometimes unintentionally deploy a pirated key found online instead of the legitimate one included in their order email.
Expired Evaluation/Temporary Keys: Some keys are issued for specific temporary purposes and may have an expiration date. How to Resolve the Error
Verify Your Original Order: Ensure you are using the exact key sent in your official purchase email. Copy the entire block of text, from the --BEGIN-- line to the --END-- line.
Contact Support: If you believe your legitimate key was revoked by mistake or leaked without your knowledge, email support@scootersoftware.com with your serial number or order email address.
Clear Old License Data: If the application remains stuck on the revoked message, you can manually remove the existing license file to prompt a fresh registration.
Windows: Delete BC4Key.txt from %appdata%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\ or the program installation folder.
macOS: Locate and remove the license file, typically found in your application support folder.
Linux: Remove the bcompare configuration directory using rm -rf ~/.config/bcompare/.
Note: Using scripts or registry edits to bypass license checks is a violation of the Software License Agreement. License Agreement - Beyond Compare
If none of the above works, go directly to the source. Scooter Software is known for excellent customer support.
https://www.scootersoftware.com/support