Windows 10: What will happen on Jan 20, 2016?

This is the way you should go. Make sure you pay attention to Step #4 and skip entering the Product Key when prompted, Windows will get Activated automatically.

 

Strollin: I understand your suggestion, but that means I'll have to re-install all my sofftware etc. again. This is not an enticing thought at all.

LCDR: I tried the old activation code I used before - it is the same on you posted.

I tried the steps listed at the WinAero site. Last one failed because it said the server could not be located. But I did get the Jan 20, 2016 date back. So that's something.

 

Sorry if I did not make it clear - that is an illegal activation method - that xspace server must have been taken down by MS.

 

Hi there

I think there's been plenty of info on this (and other) Forums on Windows activation. Those "Unofficial" (e.g KMS servers etc ) activation methods WILL NOT work (at the moment). Just install your OLD OS, update it, activate it and then upgrade to W10. You can THEN optionally install all your applications when re-installing your old OS - but my preferred method would be to install those AFTER you've done the initial upgrade from the old ACTIVATED --LEGALLY OS.

The chances are that you won't have any problems with stuff running on W10 so you don't have to do a "Double" install of your old programs. Also as others have pointed out "AD NAUSEAM" DO NOT ENTER ANY PRODUCT CODE WHEN UPGRADING FROM THE OLD OS.

There are all sorts of "Unofficial" activation methods on the Net -- it's NOT WORTH IT --if you have a legal OLD OS just get a FREE LEGAL new W10. Most of the "Unofficoal" activation methods put a hook into your system that keeps "Pseudo activating" after a usually unknown (apart by the writer of the Hack) period of time - and you will have absolutely NO IDEA of what data that "Server" is collecting either.

Cheers
jimbo

 

Plus 1,000! Isn't human nature something.....let's try to figure out a workaround to something that is offered to us for free!

Maybe not. Do slmgr /upk to remove the illegal product key. Make an image of the Windows 10 you have now and store it somewhere. After you do the legal upgrade from Windows 7 and have a Windows 10 upgrade that is activated, take the previous image of the Windows 10 with your programs and restore that. Without a product key it might just activate itself legally from Microsoft.

Although, question for Superfly - is that windows with the illegal product key activating from a rogue site and would that site's address have to be cleared out for it to activate properly from Microsoft?

 

Yes, it's stored in the registry for future activation attempts (Jan 20 in this instance)

It can be cleared with the follwing:
slmgr /ckms

 

Do slmgr /upk to remove the illegal product key.

But I did not use an illegal key. The key was published by MS and is listed on this site. No one ever said anything about it expiring in 6 months.


Without a product key it might just activate itself legally from Microsoft.

"Might" is the key word there. My guess is it would not activate. So I am reluctant to over-write my good/old Win7 boot SSD (even though I have a full backup) and then find out I am no better off. What would I do then anyway? Another clean install of Win10, followed by re-installing all the Win10 updates, followed by re-installing all my software. This is not reasonable.

 

If you just want to extend the lifetime of your existing Windows 10 installation, one that began life with a technology preview license that time-bombs in January 2016, all you have to do is buy a retail version of Windows 10 either from a store or directly from Microsoft online. You will receive a retail package activation key with your receipt. Replace the technology preview key with the retail key you just bought using slmgr (someone else will have to give you the correct option, I don't want to guess).

You will not have to reinstall Windows 10, nor will you have to reinstall any of your applications. Given the correct key, Microsoft's activation server will see your installation as a retail package and activate it accordingly. This is the only option available to you that does not involve upgrading your existing Windows 7 installation.

 

So even though I have a legitimate, paid-for version of Win7 and I did a clean install of Win10 according to the rules at the time I still have to buy a key for Win10 even though it is clearly stated that it is a free upgrade?

Like I said, this is not reasonable.

 

The "free" offer is for an upgrade to an existing licensed and activated installation of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1. You're trying to get a free copy of Windows 10 and that was never part of the deal.

 

You can argue about it or you can solve the issue.

The KMS activation is a hack.

The keys on this site were public keys for the Insider Program builds
- they have since been blacklisted and will not activate. No Preview key will activate Windows.

You MUST do an upgrade first - it's always been stated this way.

Members are spending their time to help you, please don't waste it.

Upgrade, then Clean install - it's really simple.
You've complicated the process by trying to shortcut the correct procedure, now you have to start over.

I tired it to just to see what would happen and guess what - same thing ... I had to follow the prescribed methods to activate my install.

What could have happened was that I essentially installed an Insider's build, but the Insider Program is temporarily suspended. I did not try to use the MS account to see if it would activate as an Insider build or not - I suspect it would, but I didn't want an Insider build, I wanted to test the Retail upgrade / Clean install.

What did I learn? Among other things ... you have to upgrade first or run an Insider's build - period *Wink

 

The rules are very clear - you misunderstand.
According to the rules at the time - you must Upgrade the qualifying OS first.

You do not have to buy anything - just follow the instructions.

Good luck.

 

NavyLCDR has given you all the advice you need for the free upgrade - you have a backup so worst case scenario you restore that... no biggie... We have all gone through it.

Having an illegal installation can be deactivated at anytime by MS, so why risk it?

BTW it's not the key that is illegal, it's the method (i.e. using a KMS server that has not been provided by an organisation that has given you their authorization)

 

OK - I give up. I will replace my new Win10 boot disk with my old (legitimate/legal/paid for) Win7.1 disk and see if I can get the "free" Win10 upgrade. If I can I'll do the upgrade, remove the Win7 disk, and put in my current Win10 disk. And see what happens.

I wonder if my Win7.1 will in fact get upgraded OK. And if it does, I wonder what will happen when I reboot with my Win10 disk.

Should be an interesting afternoon.

 

I suspect you will have the same problem because of the key you have in there at the moment.