When Beyond Compare 4 displays a "license key has been revoked" error, it typically means the key has been flagged by Scooter Software because it was leaked to the internet or associated with unauthorized distribution Why Keys Are Revoked Public Exposure:
If a privately purchased key is shared on public forums or GitHub gists, the developer blacklists that serial number in newer software updates. Version Mismatch:
While Beyond Compare 4 keys work for all minor updates (e.g., 4.1 to 4.4), they will not work for major version jumps (e.g., upgrading from version 4 to version 5). License Breach: License Agreement
allows the developer to terminate keys immediately if they believe the agreement has been breached. Beyond Compare How to Resolve the Error
If you are a legitimate license holder seeing this message, do not seek "free" workarounds, as these often involve scripts that reset trial timers rather than fixing the license itself. Contact Support: support@scootersoftware.com
with your original order email or serial number. They can often issue a new, secure key if yours was compromised. Clear Old License Data:
Sometimes an old, invalid key is "stuck" in the system. You can manually remove it by deleting the BC4Key.txt file found in: %AppData%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\ /etc/BC4Key.txt or within your user config folder. Evaluate via Trial: If you don't have a valid key, the software offers a 30-day fully functional trial . Note that the trial only counts days of actual use , not consecutive calendar days. Beyond Compare Risks of "Free" License Keys Using keys found on public repositories (like GitHub Gists
) is the primary reason for revocation. These keys are eventually detected by the software's update mechanism, leading to the "revoked" error and potentially exposing your system to security risks from unverified scripts. Beyond Compare 4 license for Windows, Mac, Linux · GitHub
A "revoked" license key error in Beyond Compare 4 typically occurs when a key has been leaked to the internet or shared publicly. Once a key is identified as pirated or compromised, Scooter Software revokes it to prevent unauthorized use. Primary Reasons for Revocation
Key Leaks: If a legitimate key is found on public forums or "free key" websites, it is added to a revocation list in subsequent software updates.
Version Mismatch: While not strictly "revoked," using a major version key (e.g., version 3) for a newer major version (e.g., version 4 or 5) will result in an error.
Policy Violations: Use of the software beyond the 30-day trial without a valid purchase is a violation of copyright laws. How to Resolve the Error
If you are a legitimate license holder and receiving this message:
Verify Your Key: Ensure you are using the full key text from --BEGIN LICENSE KEY-- to --END LICENSE KEY--.
Contact Support: Email Scooter Software Support with your serial number or order email to recover your official key.
Clear Local Data: If you accidentally used a pirated key and want to enter a legitimate one, you may need to delete the local license file (BC4Key.txt) to reset the registration dialog.
Windows: %appdata%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\BC4Key.txt. Linux: /etc/BC4Key.txt. Legitimate Free Use Buy Beyond Compare
Beyond Compare may be evaluated for free, but a license must be purchased for continued use. Beyond Compare Howto remove License - Scooter Forums - Beyond Compare beyond compare 4 license key has been revoked free
If your Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked or you're facing issues with it, here are some steps and considerations:
Legitimate Software Use: Always ensure that you're using software in a legitimate manner and according to the licensing terms.
Data Backup: Before using any comparison or merging tool, make sure to back up your important data to prevent loss.
If you're looking for a free license key for Beyond Compare 4, it's essential to understand that using unauthorized or pirated software can lead to security risks and is against the terms of service of most software companies. Exploring free or open-source alternatives or reaching out to the software vendor for assistance are more sustainable and legal approaches.
A "revoked" license message in Beyond Compare 4 typically occurs if you have upgraded to a version not supported by your current key or if the key has been flagged by the manufacturer. Common Fixes for a Revoked Key
If you are seeing this error, try these steps to restore functionality:
Re-enter the Key as Admin (Windows): Locate and delete the file BC4Key.txt from your local machine, then restart Beyond Compare as an Administrator and re-paste your full license key.
User Account Location: %appdata%\scooter software\beyond compare 4\BC4Key.txt.
System-Wide Location: C:\Program Files\Beyond Compare 4\BC4Key.txt.
Downgrade Your Version: If you recently updated, your existing license might not be compatible with the newer build. Check your original order email for the supported version number and reinstall that specific version from the Scooter Software website.
Request a Replacement: If you believe your key was revoked in error, you can use the Lost License Key tool to retrieve a legitimate copy associated with your email. Evaluation Mode "Resets"
Users often look for ways to reset the trial when keys are revoked. While the software is paid, some users utilize scripts to extend the evaluation period:
Windows (PowerShell): Running reg delete "HKCU\Software\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4" /v "CacheID" /f can sometimes reset trial flags in the registry.
macOS: Users often delete the registry.dat file located in ~/Library/Application Support/Beyond Compare/ to reset the 30-day evaluation timer.
Note: Beyond Compare licenses are typically perpetual for a specific major version, meaning you don't have to pay annual fees for that version. Beyond Compare 4 license for Windows, Mac, Linux · GitHub
If you are seeing the "License Key Revoked" error, you have a few options:
If your Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked (which can happen if it's reported stolen or if there's a violation of the terms of service), you should: When Beyond Compare 4 displays a "license key
For a long time, this leaked key continued to work. However, modern software activation relies on server-side verification. Scooter Software eventually identified that this specific key was being used by thousands of IP addresses across the globe—far more than a legitimate site license would account for.
When a Volume License is abused, the publisher has the right to revoke it. In a recent crackdown, Scooter Software blacklisted that specific key. When the application "phones home" to verify the license, the server now responds that the key is invalid or revoked.
Is this legal? Yes. The End User License Agreement (EULA) strictly prohibits sharing keys or using keys that do not belong to you. The revocation is a standard anti-piracy measure.
Scooter Software actively monitors for license keys that are:
When such a key is detected, the company revokes it remotely. The next time Beyond Compare checks for updates or validation, the software reverts to an unlicensed state.
While I understand the desire to find a free or alternative solution, using software without a valid license can lead to legal and security risks. If you're experiencing issues with your Beyond Compare 4 license key, I recommend contacting Scooter Software's support for assistance. They can provide the most accurate and helpful guidance for your situation.
A "revoked" license message in Beyond Compare 4 typically occurs if a key has been leaked publicly pirated key
If you are seeing this error, you can resolve it by purging the invalid registration and reverting to a trial or re-entering a genuine key. How to Fix "License Key Revoked" Error
To fix this, you must manually delete the cached license file so the software "forgets" the revoked key. Delete the License File %AppData%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\ and delete the BC4Key.txt : Navigate to ~/Library/Application Support/Beyond Compare/ and delete BC4Key.txt ~/.config/bcompare/ and delete BC4Key.txt Clear the Registry (Windows only) Registry Editor Navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4 Delete the Restart the Software Beyond Compare will now open in Evaluation Mode If you have a genuine key, go to Help > Enter Key and paste the entire block including the Why Keys Get Revoked Public Leaks
: If a genuine key is posted on forums or Gists, the developer ( Scooter Software ) may blacklist it. Version Mismatch
: While keys work for all minor updates (e.g., 4.1 to 4.4), they may not work across major versions (e.g., a BC3 key won't work in BC4). Trial Resets : Users sometimes use scripts to delete the to reset the 30-day evaluation period indefinitely. Beyond Compare 4 Trial Reset - GitHub Gist
A "revoked" license key in Beyond Compare 4 typically indicates that the key has been flagged by Scooter Software as compromised, often because it was leaked to the internet
. This can happen if a legitimately purchased key is shared or if a pirated key is used. Common Causes for Revocation Key Leakage
: If a purchased key appears on public forums or gist repositories, Scooter Software may blacklist it in newer updates License Breach License Agreement
allows Scooter Software to terminate an agreement immediately if they believe the terms have been breached. Upgrade Issues : Sometimes, upgrading the software can cause the BC4Key.txt file to be deleted
or corrupted, leading the app to revert to trial mode or show errors. Beyond Compare Potential Solutions Legitimate Software Use : Always ensure that you're
If you are facing a "license key revoked" message, you can try these steps based on common community and official advice: Re-enter a Valid Key Delete the existing license file ( BC4Key.txt ) to reset the registration state. On Windows, this is typically located in %appdata%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\ Open Beyond Compare, go to Help > Enter Key , and paste your entire official key (including the Contact Official Support
If you purchased your license and believe it was revoked in error, email support@scootersoftware.com with your original order information or serial number. Reset Trial/Evaluation Mode
If you are testing the software and your trial expired or is bugged, you can sometimes restore trial mode by renaming the BC4Key.txt file BC4Key.bak while the application is closed. Community Workarounds (Advanced) Some users on platforms like GitHub have shared scripts to reset trial status
by deleting specific registry keys or configuration files (e.g., in the Windows registry). between the Standard and Pro editions? Beyond Compare 4 license for Windows, Mac, Linux · GitHub 6 Jan 2023 —
It sounds like you’re seeing a notification that your Beyond Compare 4
license key has been revoked. This usually happens if a key found online has been flagged as unauthorized or shared publicly [1, 2].
If you are looking for a reliable way to keep using the software, here are your best options: 1. Check Your Original Purchase
If you or your company actually bought a license, the key might have been revoked by mistake or replaced during an upgrade. Retrieve a lost key: Scooter Software License Retrieval tool to have your official key emailed to you. Check version compatibility: A version 3 key won't work in version 4. You may need to upgrade your license at a discount. 2. Extend the Evaluation Period Beyond Compare has a very generous trial policy. It offers 30 "days of use"
, meaning the timer only counts down on days you actually open the app. If your trial has expired and you just need to finish a quick task, you can often reach out to their support for a temporary extension. 3. Best Free Alternatives
If a paid license isn't an option right now, these open-source tools offer similar file and folder comparison features for free: WinMerge (Windows):
The most popular free alternative for folder syncing and text differencing. Meld (Linux/Windows/macOS): A great visual diff tool often used by developers. DiffMerge (Cross-platform): Highly accurate for comparing and merging files.
Be cautious of "crack" sites or "free key" generators. These files often contain keyloggers that can compromise your personal data [2].
Beyond Compare 4 is a popular software tool used for comparing and synchronizing files and folders. It's widely used by developers, IT professionals, and anyone who needs to manage and compare files and directories. However, obtaining a license key through unauthorized means, such as seeking a "free" or "revoked" license key, is not recommended as it can lead to legal and security issues.
The "free" license keys for Beyond Compare 4 that were circulating online were not legitimate freebies; they were leaked corporate keys that have now been blacklisted by the developer. To continue using the software reliably, users are encouraged to either purchase a license or utilize the limited free functionality provided by the official software.
I’m unable to provide a write-up that promotes or facilitates the use of revoked, stolen, or unauthorized license keys for Beyond Compare 4 or any other software. Doing so would violate software licensing agreements and potentially copyright laws.
However, I can offer a constructive alternative: a write-up explaining why license keys get revoked, the risks of using unauthorized keys, and legitimate ways to continue using Beyond Compare 4.
If you're unable to resolve the licensing issue and are looking for free alternatives, here are some options: