Windows 10: Going back to Home version of Windows, bad activation key

Hello all,


I tried activating a key for windows pro that did not work. I previously had windows home, which worked perfectly. I cannot seem to find the home key anywhere in my account info though. In the activation settings, it says the following:


"We can't activate windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key. If you think you do have a valid license key, select Troubleshoot below. Error code: 0XC004C003."


Troubleshoot does not fix the issue. I'd like to go back to my functioning previous version of windows that is, Windows Home. Is there any way to do this without resetting my PC and loosing all of my programs?

Thank you in advance

:)

 

activate windows 7 oem key

You cannot activate a retail version of Windows with an OEM key.
The retail version should have it's own activation key.
If you just borrowed the Win DVD from someone who is using the key, that won't work with your OEM (OA) key.

pwned by newtekie. lol My bad.
It does work in Vista and 7, just not in XP.

Have you looked on the ASUS website to see if you can re-download the driver/diag disk, or at least everything you need to make one?

 

activate windows 7 oem key

There is no difference between the OEM disc and the Retail disc with Windows 7. A retail disc will accept a OEM or Retail key, and vise versa.

If the OEM Key wasn't going to work with the disc you have, it would have stopped you during the install when it first asked you for the key, not during activation.

What is likely the problem is that, since the OEM version has already been activated once, it is failing activation again. Activate it over the phone using the option given to you on the failed activation screen, and you shouldn't have a problem activating it.

 

activate windows 7 oem key

*Frown

Not yet, that's the last thing I wanted to try. But seems I have to.