Windows 10: Windows Activation Error After Motherboard Replacement

Hi all,

I replaced a motherboard recently and after powering my PC back on I was greeted with a "Windows is not Activated" message. To begin with I wasn't particularly fussed, I thought perhaps it was because I hadn't turned the PC on for quite some time after some motherboard issues. I figured with a new motherboard and all the same components, it wouldn't be a problem. I'd click "Troubleshoot", followed by "I changed hardware on this device recently" and finally select my PC under my devices then click "Activate" and that would be that.


I was sadly mistaken.


I contacted Microsoft support and the guy said there wasn't anything he could do. I explained what happened, that all I had changed was the motherboard, but apparently the so called digital license isn't so transferable after a motherboard upgrade, despite the Windows Get Help app mentioning Windows might no longer be activated after a motherboard upgrade, and then providing instructions on how to activate Windows after such upgrade, and finally suggesting you contact a person to activate your copy of Windows if you have further issues.


Has anyone else that this particular problem and managed to resolve it without forking over hundreds of dollars for a new license? The error code I'm seeing in the activation settings is 0xC004F213.


Thanks all

sebz

:)

 

Troubleshoot activation errors in Windows 10 after a motherboard replacement or entering a Volume License key

Technical Level : Basic

Summary

We have a troubleshooter that can help with certain activation errors you might get:

• 
  If your PC’s manufacturer replaced your motherboard under warranty
  
  • 
    Activation Error 0x803F7001
    
• 
  If you entered a Volume License product key
  
  Note For these errors, you will need a valid (non-Volume License) product key for Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 to finish the activation.
  
  • 
    0x8007007B
    
  • 
    0xC004E016
    
  • 
    0x8007232B
    
  • 
    0xC004F074
    
  • 
    0xC004F038
    

Before trying the troubleshooter, make sure you are on the most current version of Windows 10. From Start, select
Settings, then choose System, and then press
About. You should see Version 1511 listed. If you don’t see it, then click
Settings, Update & Security, Windows Update and click
Check for updates.

Once you know you’re on version 1511, download and run the troubleshooter:
http://aka.ms/diag_cssemerg79558

If you had one of the Volume License key errors, you will be asked for a new key after the troubleshooter runs.

If you have trouble running the troubleshooter, please reply below.
If you have another Activation issue, please post in the Download, Install and Activation folder of the Windows 10 support forum.

Results in Windows - Microsoft Community

Details

Activation errors after motherboard replacement

Starting with Windows 8 and continuing with Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, most PC manufactures are injecting their Windows product key into the motherboard of the PC.
This allows the PC to activate automatically when you first boot up the PC and to re-activate if the PC is ever reset or needs a clean install.
The product key in the motherboard is edition-specific and will only activate that edition of Windows (Home, Pro, etc.).

When the motherboard is replaced under warranty, Windows will detect a hardware change and look for the new product key that was included in the replaced motherboard.
Sometimes the new product key is not retrieved by Windows, and you get
Activation Error 0x803F7001. The troubleshooter will ask Windows to re- try retrieving the product key from the new motherboard and activated it.

Correcting the mistake of entering a Global Volume License key

The troubleshooter also corrects a second, less common issue.
If you searched the web, you might have found and entered a Global Volume License (GVL) Key.
GVL Keys only work for PCs in an Enterprise environment where the administrator has setup this system of licensing.
If you mistakenly entered a GVL Key, you PC will no longer accept regular product keys, and will give the activation error 0x8007007B (or even 0xC004E016, 0x8007232B, 0xC004F074, 0xC004F038).
This troubleshooter will identify the GVL Key and replace it with a regular retail default key.
Your PC will not activate yet, but now will accept normal retail and OEM product keys.

 

Windows activation error

Hi Brandon,

Before replacing the Mother Board if Windows 10 was activated, then you can refer the steps/link below for activating Windows 10.

The only hardware changes that can negatively impact activation status once you upgrade to free version are the changes to the:

• CPU
• TPM
• Motherboard replacement

The following changes are examples of hardware changes that will NOT impact the activation status:

• HDD/SSD
• Video card
• Adding extra memory

If you replace the CPU, TPM, or Motherboard you may have to re-activate but this will not require a purchase of Windows 10.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/why-activate-windows-10

Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If the issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.

 

windows update Error 0xC004F074 Windows not activated

Hi Lucas,

We would appreciate if you could provide more details about the issue. Is your computer connected to a (domain) secured network? Aside from updating the computer, have you performed any changes prior to the issue?

In the meantime, we suggest following the steps provided on these article:

• "Unable to reach Windows activation servers”
  
• Troubleshoot activation errors in Windows 10 after a motherboard replacement
  or entering a Volume License key

We'll wait for your response on this matter.