Windows 10: Did a fresh install of Windows 10 on a new SSD, no activation

I upgraded from Windows 7 to 8, and I no longer have the key for 7. From Windows 8.1 I upgraded to 10. Recently got an SSD, wanted to do a fresh install on it. Used media creation tool to make a USB copy. Booted from USB, formatted old hard drive, and loaded Windows onto new SSD. I picked activate later as the product ID i wrote down did not seem to work; and assumed it would auto activate.

Well, now Windows is not activating, and I still cannot enter the Product ID, I assumed that would be the "key".

Is there anything I can do at this point? Or am I just screwed and have to buy a Windows 10 license?

...I knew I should have just cloned.

:)

 

Fresh install of Win10 to a new SSD after I already Upgraded to Win10 on an iffy HDD.

This post from Dell had a detailed step by step for Dell computers, helped me figure out my mistake. If I had followed the posts on this thread more closely, I would have been okay!

If you managed to previously activate Windows 10. Follow the instructions here to download the .iso:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-10-oem-and-retail-iso/

Then follow the instructions here to install from the .iso:

Windows 10 Version 1507: Clean Reinstallation via Bootable USB from .iso

Philip Yip



Windows Reinstallation Guide and Related Wikies See here for other wikies such as Customising and Using Windows 8.1, Dell Wireless Cards and Unofficial Drivers.

 

Fresh install of Win10 to a new SSD after I already Upgraded to Win10 on an iffy HDD.

First check that your copy of Windows 10 has activated. Then just install the new SSD in place of the old hard drive, boot from the Windows 10 media you made and skip when asked for the product key. When Windows 10 is loaded it will recognise your old
hardware (motherboard) and activate automatically.

 

Found a Windows 8 key in an email from the upgrade, and it accepted that. Please lock thread.