Windows 10: Fresh Install

Look at my response above, all you need is your service tag.

 

I called them already and they said out of warranty I have to buy a new copy/usb from them. With 8.72 in my bank account, that's just not going to happen.

 

KeyFinder | Magical Jelly Bean
I've used it with 7 and Vista. Should work with 10.
Download Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder - MajorGeeks

 

It find the Windows 10 key perfectly fine. Original windows 8 key however is lost. Dell says buy a new one, windows says buy a new one.

 

Try going to Settings►Update and recovery►Windows Update►Advanced options►View your update history and click on the 'Uninstall latest preview build' link.

 

So, I have the key from an old HP computer I had, but, it says that key is already in use. the HP is using another os (ubuntu) how do I use the key from that pc?

EDIT: Nevermind, the HP key has a one time use limit apparently. No wonder people hated windows 8.

EDIT 2: Error code: 0xC004C008

 

Did the WDT link in post 2 not show you your OEM key? It should. Try downloading it and running it again as there were a few updates yesterday. Windows Diagnostic Tool (WDT)

0xC004C008 means your hardware has changed (as would be the case if you are trying to use your HP key). Note that unless you bought a retail license you can't transfer it to another computer. If you bought the license separately you can try phone activation.

 

You are not correctly responding to the offers of help
1. I use Dells. I have no problems.
2. The OEM key is imbedded, and has nothing to do with the OS installed. Belarq will find it and display it. It will also inform you as to the particular model (pro etc. Usually Pro with Dell). Once you have that, you can download and reinstall that version, from the link given (Adamf Post #4)
3. Have you attempted to try the "Restore to factory condition" in the F12 options on start up. It is in a hidden and protected partition on all Dells, unless you have reformatted the whole HD with a third party program.
4. A Windows 10 (Pro) build does not require a key. But you will need to install the builds successively, or use the tutorial here:

Upgrading Non-sequential builds - Windows 10 Forums

5. (See Post gzt7d8 #14) Belarq will also give you the Service tag. If you then go to Dell home page, and put in the Service tag where it asks, it will give you all the information you require, regarding you PC.

 

After buying the PC, I used my usual partition manager to wipe every drive, and reinstall windows. At the time I had a Dell USB key that I used to install windows, but during my move it has been lost. All the software key recovery programs say there is the HP key or no MSDM key.

I'll just wait it out and buy a new license from the college at a discount price. I'm tired of raging over this.

Windows Diagnostic Tool says

No OEM Key Found
Ive made a USB stick using one of the original links provided and next thrusday (payday) will be downloading a discounted college price version of windows. (Which, I hope isnt too much)

If anyone else has Idea's feel free to post them here.

 

Once again. Why are you not using the Belarq analysing tool to find the Service tag and OEM key. Why spend money on another installation, when you have all the info you need in this thread to reinstall the original.

 

I know the Service Tag, and the OEM key says a bunch of invalid serial key numbers and then (Key: None Activated)
.
This is using Windows 8.1 Home downloaded from Microsoft and the Serial Key from the old HP machine that doesn't work.

 

Hi there

You could download the trial W8.1 Enterprise iso for free -- You get quite a long time before it expires. (90 days)

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/.../hh699156.aspx

However IMO why not keep using W10 --it's OK and bound to get better as we get nearer RTM. There will be a few more builds too.

Cheers
jimbo

 

When Windows 10 RT expires ill still be screwed as after the trial I wont have an OS to use.

 

Hi there

what's the matter with you -- every offer of help you seem to reject or put other objections in the way.

Windows 10 is likely to last until way into NEXT year and even then it seems Ms is going to issue a whole slew of Free updates.

Worry about the future later -- I'd have thought you'd be glad to get a WORKING computer again -- THEN you can think about extending the life of the OS.

Cheers
jimbo