Windows 10: Another Activation Problem

I likely quoted that post "while" you were editing it.

 

The 3V66T key is the correct generic Pro key you get via the free upgrade. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Product key, and see what it says?

 

It says to enter another key or go to the Store.

 

That PC has internet access right?

 

You used the latest ISO from here, right? https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/soft...load/windows10

 

Earlier versions of Windows 10 would not use Windows 8/8.1 keys. If you have an older version of the MCT saved, delete it and download the latest version from the link I posted. You need the latest tool to get the latest ISO. If you were prompted to enter a key during the install, and had to do a skip, that's a tip of that you have an old out of date ISO.

 

I am connected, yes. No I didn't use the .iso in the link, I created a Win 10 flash drive mid February using the Media Creation Tool, too old?

 

Yes, it could be the early build that doesn't use windows 8 keys on a clean install. Re download the (newest) tool, then use it to get the latest ISO, or create a new install thumb drive. Then do a clean install on that PC that has the Windows 8 OEM embedded key. Also check your other PC's with showkey. If any of the others have an OEM key, use that same newly created thumb drive on them. Installing from a thumb drive is a lot faster than doing it from a DVD. Even if you don't count the time taken to burn the DVD.

At some point, forget exactly when now, Microsoft redid the Windows 10 install media so you didn't have to actually upgrade first, to get your digital entitlement. They let you clean install and activate with a Windows 7 or 8/8.1 key. Originally, you had to do an upgrade to get a digital entitlement. Then after that, if you wanted you could clean install. I think when they saw a lot of failed upgrades they rethought it.

 

Thank you for your detailed replies. *Smile I'll redo the thumb drive in the morning.

 

No problem, glad to help. Weird that one has an OEM Embedded key and the other one doesn't though?

 

Success! The computer that had ShowKeyPlus return a Win 8.1 key from the BIOS has 10 installed and activated with digital entitlement using the freshly created install drive. *Smile

On to the next! Thank you! I'll report back on whether the others have a key in the BIOS, and yes, that one that didn't is a conundrum for sure.

 

More luck (or OEM lazyness) than anything else, bud.

A Win 8 to Win7 downgraded PC should not have any traces of Win 8 TBH, having said that, such a PC should have a COA key... so six of one is half-a-dozen of another...

 

2 for 3! Tried another of the downgraded HP's, I went straight for the clean install of 10, it didn't ask for a number, and opened up activated. *Smile

 

Hi Everyone,

Checking back in to mark this one solved and tell the ending to the story. I had back burnered the computer that is the subject of this thread while I worked on others and to stew about it a while. My plan was going to be to call Windows activation, and having been shot down there, call HP Support and hope for a sympathetic support person.

Here's what happened, I called MS and went through the automated stuff and failed. Got a live human, who reviewed the info, then sent me to another live human who asked if they could start a remote session, I said sure. I then basically was a spectator as that person generated and installed a product key on the machine! Just like that it's activated. *Smile No digital entitlement in the BIOS, but a legit key that I will print out and tape to the inside of the case cover.

Maybe some day I'll learn to try the simple before dragging myself through a knot hole, but then again maybe not. *Smile

 

It's not always obvious which way is the easier way? Until you try it. Your all set now so happy computing.