Windows 10: Resetting laptop led to my win10 product key not working

I got this Alienware laptop from my brother (Alienware 13 R3) and he had it for a while before me. He reset when he wanted to get rid of it, but i took it off of him instead. As soon as i turned it on, it said windows 10 wasn't activated, and when I went to activate it, it said the device didn't have a product key. No problem, since my brother still had the product key from the laptop, so I just updated windows to the newest version (2004) and entered the product key, but now it says the product key is invalid. Windows 10 came with the laptop, so I'm just confused as to how I'm getting so much trouble getting it activated on it. Any help would be appreciated.

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:)

 

Need product key for Win10 re-load

• Hi, I had to do a factory reset on my Toshiba laptop (multiple problems, black screening, etc.). I downloaded Win10 from MS site and have loaded it back on but product key required. I have no product key because the previous install was free upgrade from
  Win7 a few years ago.

 

Win10 updated from Win8 - does clean install loose product key?

Use this option. With Internet connection, if asked for product key, click on "Skip This Step" or "I don't have a product Key". Windows will be activated automatically.

 

Product Key illegible, Toshiba laptop

Just some thoughts.

Are any of these letters and numerals legible ???

You could try a magnifying glass whilst highlighting the sticker with a LED torch.

Place the torch light at different angles around the sticker.

Do the same with the magnifying glass.

Try all angles.

There have been times that i have managed to retrieve the Product Key using this method.

By the way when you say it wont boot what is actually happening ???

Does it show anything at all on the screen when trying to boot.

• Have you tried to get it into Safe Mode using the F8 Key. ( You might be able to do a restore or recovery from there ).
• Try entering the BIOS using the DELETE Key.

• To enter Safe Mode and or the BIOS repetitively tap the Keys that i have mentioned at one second intervals whilst starting the laptop.

( As the laptop is 10 years old i wonder if the BIOS / CMOS 3Volt Button Cell Battery is still functioning, which i doubt )

When this 3 volt button cell dies the computer will be unable to remember its hardware settings but this usually promotes a on screen error relating to BIOS and Date / Time Settings at boot.

The below link supplied lists what the F Keys ( function keys ) do.

Though some of these may not correspond to your Toshiba Laptop as we don`t know the Model Number.

F8 Key – Guide for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8