Windows 10: unable to activate windows even though i shouldnt have to

ive had my computer for around 14 months now, so I am confused to why I am now getting this problem, recently ive been getting an overlay saying I have to go to settings to activate windows, im unable to open certain things on my computer, im unable to update windows, and im also unable to change my desktop background because I need to active windows first, however ive always had windows, ive changed my desktop screen before and its still my own custom image, proof that my windows was activated before. when I go to the activation part in my settings, nothing once again happens, my pc doesn't crash but its like the settings have, im restricted from being able to do many things on my computer now and its very annoying. when I bought my computer windows was already set to the computer and wasn't 2nd hand.

:)

 

Unable to Activate Win 8

I was about to suggest run CMD as Admin and then do a "slmgr -ipk xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx" activation...does anyone know if that works with win8?

 

Unable to Activate Win 8

I got Win 8 isntalled on my file server, but I am unable to activate it with the key. Says the key is invalid. Since I work at microsoft I got a retail version from the employee store. I have been doing some reading, and to be able to activate Win8 with the key there needs to be a previous version of Windows installed for it to work. WTF, so you can't do clean installs?

And the box says nothing about Upgrade version. Straight Windows 8 Pro.

 

windows xp installation and dual core am

could someone please list the steps they follow to install windows with a dual core processor and windows xp service pack to. I'm reletively new to amd dual core and i feel i'm missing a step. All help will be appreciated. thanx