Windows 10: Can't activate windows 10 after new hard drive install.

Please assist. Per Microsoft guidance deleted old "computer" from MS account and then installed windows 10 on new HD - now can't activate through MS acct sign in. Says the key is invalid...can't find...Big Red Ltrs! Also tried using my old Win7 Key - nope. I have been a Windows Insider for years. Very frustrating - trying to get this updated to ensure system isn't vulnerable to attack :

:)

 

Install Windows 10 on new hard drive.

Hi Arzlo,

Thank you for being a part of Windows 10.

I appreciate you for providing details about the issue and we are happy to help you.

Please be informed that you cannot install the activated Windows 10 on to the new hard disk.

If you are replacing the hard disk then you may get Windows 10 activation errors.

If you are purchasing a new hard disk then, you may have to install genuine Windows 7 (SP1)/8.1 to upgrade to Windows 10 to get Windows 10 activated.

I suggest you to run check disk on the hard drive to see if there are any corruptions.

Follow the below steps:

• Windows key + X, click Command Prompt (Admin).
• Command Prompt, type the following command, and then press
  ENTER:

chkdsk /f

Disclaimer: While performing check disk on the hard drive, if any bad sectors are found then check disk will try to repair that sector. Any data available on a bad sector might be lost.

Once Check Disk completes, boot the computer and then check.

Reference: Refer to the following Microsoft article on Windows 10 Q&A.

Upgrade to Windows 10: FAQ

Kindly let us know if you need any further assistance with Windows. We are glad to assist you.

Thank you.

 

Hard drive/ OS issue

a guy suggested :

• shutdown
• unhooked HDD
• restarted
• yay !!
• reconnected HDD
• restarted
• yay !!

also , try method 3
How do I unlock the drive where Windows 10 is installed?

 

Problems installing new hard drive

Hello,

I suggest you to follow the steps provided below and check if it helps.

• Download and create an installation media (ISO) for Windows 10 form the link below:
  
  http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
  
• Disconnect the 1TB and 3TB Hard Drives and install Windows 10 on the SSD using the installation media by following the steps provided by Andre Da Costa in the link below:
  How to: Upgrade from Previous Versions of Windows Using Windows 10 ISO file
• Connect the External drives (1 & 3 TB) and check for status.

Hope this helps. Keep us posted on the status for further assistance.