If you absolutely need BarTender 2016 R9 but your key won't work, stop trying to "update" the key. Instead, find the original installer that shipped with your key.
If the software is already installed, you can sometimes find the key in the Registry at Software > Seagull Scientific > Bartender > Licensing under the "Product Key Code" entry. How to Update or Activate Your License bartender 2016 r9 product key upd
If you have a legitimate 2016 key and it’s failing, or if you’re looking to revive an old system, here is how you actually handle it: If you absolutely need BarTender 2016 R9 but
BarTender, developed by Seagull Scientific, is the world’s leading label design and barcode printing software. Version 2016 (specifically R9) was released nearly a decade ago. It was a stable build that supported: How to Update or Activate Your License If