Windows 10: Recently switched motherboards and my Windows deactivated. I have the serial number from my...

I recently did a motherboard swap and after being on my computer for an hour or two, my windows suddenly said it wasn't activated, when it has been activated for the past 4 years I've had that computer. I went to troubleshooting and tried doing all the hardware change stuff and they said they still couldn't activate it. I've looked through multiple Reddit threads and still don't have a fix, so this is my last resort. I have the serial number from the previous computer that had windows activated on it, so I would love some help.

:)

 

Windows 10 serial on OEM


So I'll summarize steps made...

1. Saved serial number (taken with Belarc Advisory) from preinstalled (half chinese language) Windows 8.1 (don't know exactly the version, suspect Windows 8.1 with bing) on tablet
2. Formatted tablet
3. Tried to make a clean Windows 10 (HOME, HOME N and also PRO, everytime with the same result) install with ISO taken with MediaCreationTool, during install (and also after completing installation) it says that the saved serial is not valid
4. Tried to reinstall Windows 8.1 (ISO taken with MediaCreationTool again) HOME, it says that the serial is not valid

So i suspect that the saved serial, is from a WINDOWS 8.1 WITH BING OEM version and this kind of ISO is not accessible/downloadable anywhere (at least I can't find it, any suggestion?)

Still not tried SHOWKEY with that serial, I am in office now, and the serial is saved on a usb pen at home, will try this evening.

So I'm stucked but if everything is like I suspect, it's incredible. If I have a tablet/notebook/netbook with Windows 8 preinstalled, it seems that I can update to Windows 10 without problems, but if I want to make a clean Windows 10 install that serial is not valid...

 

product serial number

• product serial number
  

 

Serial Number for Win10 shows as "default string"?

Thank you very much for reaching out! As an Independent Advisor and fellow Microsoft user, I'm more than happy to assist you.

This issue can arise due to several reasons:

1. Manufacturer Oversight: The manufacturer may have forgotten to add the serial number to the BIOS.
   
2. DIY PCs: For custom-built PCs, the builder might not have assigned a serial number.
   
3. Corruption: Although rare, software or hardware corruption can delete the serial number.
   

Here are some solutions and workarounds

1. Using the Motherboard's Serial Number

For DIY PCs, you can use the motherboard's serial number as the computer's serial number. This can usually be found on the motherboard box or within the BIOS settings.

2. Contacting Manufacturer Support

If the serial number is missing due to a manufacturing oversight, contacting the manufacturer for support is advisable. They might provide a solution or reprogram the serial number.

3. Using UUID

In some cases, using the UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) as a substitute for the serial number can be a viable option.

Please feel free to reach out if you require any additional assistance. I'm here to help!