Windows 10: EC: 0xC004C003 - cannot activate windows after upgrading to Windows 10

So long story short....

I had to get a replacement SP3. I have been running Windows 10 since January on my old SP3. When I received my new SP3, it came with W8.1 Pro. wasn't getting the upgrade option so I thought "hey why don't I just install x10162 then update it". So I did a clean custom install, upgraded to 10162, then updated to 10547. That is what I am running now, and it works great. only problem I am having is to activate windows.

I downloaded the RTM, thought I could clean install that, and punch in my 8.1 product key... no luck.

Any advice from anyone?

Thanks,

:)

 

After Changing to a new CPU and Motherboard, my Windows 10 is no longer activated

I logged into windows 10 using my Mircosoft account on my computer after upgrading my CPU and Motherboard, and Windows 10 was no longer activated. The activation menu states that I have error "0xC004C003" and to use the troubleshooter. The troubleshooter
says that it cannot activate my copy of Windows 10, and to make sure that I am connected to the internet. I upgraded my computer from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 when there was the option for a free upgrade if that helps. How can I activate my Windows 10?

 

Error code: 0xC004C003

Please refer and contribute to the following thread if your activation issue still persists ...

Error Code 0xc004c003 - Clean Install after Upgrade - Let's Unite

 

You need a successful activation of the upgrade to Win10 first. If you are done with Insider builds (not a can of worms I'm versed in), go back to Win 8.1 Pro, make sure it's activated, and proceed with free upgrade to Win10 Pro and it should activate - confirm activation of the upgrade before doing a clean install (then not needing product key, you "skip" or "next" that) if you expect that to activate.

Means of upgrading vary from Windows Update to dowloading the media and burning to a bootable DVD or USB key.

Depending on your technical inclinations, there is also a Tutorial here for going straight from activated Win 8.1 Pro through to a clean install of Win10 Pro that activates.

 

What is the best way to go back to Win 8.1 Pro? Since I don't have a recovery on my SSD. Thanks

 

Assuming your 8.1 Pro license is limited to O.E.M. privileges as it came with the SP3, and that the on-board recovery mechanism is gone, the best way would be to see if you can get install/recovery media from the manufacturer. Check this link: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-...erecoveryimage

 

Why not just download the Windows 8.1 Pro ISO and install from that?
Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help