As of May 20, 2006, Everest is freeware. However, there is still a key mechanism. This webpage will give out free keys. All you need to do is follow the instructions below.

The key mechanism

The key is a customized password that will only work on one computer, the computer that you use to generate the registration code.  If you change computers or reinstall windows using a different user name, you will need a new key.  This web page will issue FREE keys for anyone.

Please type in the registration code that is found if you go to File->Properties->Registration here:

The key is stored in the everest.ini file.  Once you are registered, you can freely download updated versions which will automatically recognize that you are registered if you simply replace the older Everest.exe file with the newer Everest.exe file, or if you copy the old everest.ini file to the directory of the new Everest.exe.