Windows 10: Windows 10 activation after a "System Restore"

So I recently had some problems with my computer, I upgraded over a year ago from Windows 7 to the free Windows 10 upgrade. Yesterday I had to perform a "System Restore" in which it deleted most of my programs, luckily I backed up my important things. However Windows is now asking me to activate, it has a watermark in the bottom right of my screen. I retrieved a product key from my computer but I get multiple error codes. The first is "We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key. If you think you do have a valid license or key, select Troubleshoot below. Error code: 0xC004F012."


When I click on troubleshoot I get "Something interrupted our troubleshooting. Make sure you're connected to the internet, wait a few minutes, and try again. (0xc0000022)." Even when I am on the internet!


I then click on change my product key and try to put in the key that I have retrieved from my machine and I get this message when entering the key "The product key you entered didn't work. Check the product key and try again, or enter a different one. (0xc0000022)".


I don't understand what has gone on? I've never had these problems before and I had a genuine version of Windows 7 Home Premium Edition. Do I have to pay for this Windows 10 even though it told me it was a free upgrade at the time? If any other information is required I can provide.


Thank you.

:)

 

Windows XP PRO error after restore

System restore is handy when it works like it did for me 2 days ago saving the need to reinstall all of my software as well as windows, id suggest using norton Ghost 12 for an excellent system restore feature.

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Windows 10 Activation (Insider)

How long did you wait for activation?
When I re-installed with a fresh install... it took a few hours to sync and activate.
However, it did, finally, activate.