Windows 10: I just reformatted my C: drive and reinstalled Windows 10... "It looks like the hardware on...

I just removed some additional hard drive and left my main C: drive on for reformat/reinstall. When I went to reactivate windows, it gave me the error message "It looks like the hardware on this device has changed. Make sure you're connected to the Internet and try again later. Error code: 0xC0EA000A"


I have reinstalled windows in the past and have not encountered this error.


When I log into my Microsoft account and look at devices, I can see my desktop computer and laptop. My desktop computer shows all the correct hardware specifications.


When I try to troubleshoot the activation error, my only option to continue is to hit the "I changed hardware on my device" and then it asks me if I am using my Laptop device but doesn't give me the option to select my desktop device, even though it appears on my account.


I am signed in with the correct account. Using the automated Microsoft online help does not connect me to Microsoft support. So I'm not sure how to continue from here.


This version of Windows 10 was part of the free upgrade from Windows 8. I have changed hardware in the past and continued to activate windows without any errors. I had not made any hardware changes with this reformat, so I'm not sure why it is causing me a problem at this point. I don't have a CD Key, just the online license which appears in the device section of my Microsoft Account.

:)

 

Reformatting the c drive

Hi,

To better assist you with your concern, we would like to know the following:

• What the exact error message that you're getting when you try to reformat your C: drive?
• Why do you want to reformat your your C: drive?
• What troubleshooting steps have you taken to resolve the issue?
• Did you make any significant changes to your computer prior to the issue?

We look forward to your reply.

 

Reformatting the c drive

I am formatting my c drive to remove all the junk from it and I have backed up everything that I need onto an external hard drive, but when I try to reformat the c drive it says that if I do so my PC will stop working because it cannot reformat that volume.
I don't have the windows cd or and cd that came with the laptop and I also only want to reformat my c drive and nothing else. i have windows 10. do you have any suggestions?

***Post moved by the moderator to the appropriate forum category.***

 

New CPU + New Mobo = Reformat?

Yea, to get the full potential of your new hardware, I would reformat and reinstall like everyone has suggested. *Toast :toast: