Windows 10: Problems with activating windows

You can't downgrade a product key.

 

If it insists on installing Home (due to presumably a firmware key for that edition), it will activate with that key - no need to use the Pro key.

Check your firmware with ShowKeyPlus - Windows 10 Forums

 

Hi there

It doesn't exist -- :

You have to create the file (use notepad) and then insert it into the sources file --that's why you have to extract the ISO first.

Then to create a bootable USB you need to create a data iso of the amended extracted iso and then use RUFUS to create a bootable install USB.

Don't insert any serial key or add the PID bit.

Cheers
jimbo

 

There is no need to use RUFUS. It is incredibly easy to create the Windows 10 installation USB flash drive with no extra software at all (except that Windows 7 needs extra software to mount the ISO file if you are creating the flash drive in Windows 7). RUFUS will just give you more confusing options.

In addition to @Superfly's suggestion to use ShowKey to check the firmware for a product key, I would also suggest you use the Check Key function of the same program and test your Windows 10 Pro product key to make sure it is correct and legitimate.

 

OP has a homebuilt (?) that was upgraded from Win 7 Ultimate to Win 10 Pro.

 

I have been using it to activate windows several times, its usually a smooth process.

 

That might be the problem if Microsoft has blocked that product key from online automatic activation due to using it too frequently.

 

I havent been using it for some time.

 

I just formated my SSD and installed windows again. This time microsoft installed the right version. Now windows says the key is invalid, error 0xc004f050. Its a genuine windows 7 ultimate key i bought and upgraded to windows 10 pro for free because microsoft asked me if i wanted to. I have been using it to activate windows several times without problems. I even have the invoice as proof of purchase for the key. What to do?

 

Book a support call from Microsoft. If you're entitled to a particular version of Windows and are having issues, they're usually extremely helpful. I had an issue recently where I replaced my motherboard, CPU and memory and lost my activation. They had me up and running in less than half an hour.

 

I'm not much for giving them my phone number, but how do i book a call?

 

I just went ahead and bought a new key since i was honestly getting sick and tired of this.