Windows 10: Windows 10 Reactivation after Hardware change issue

Ok, here's the deal...


I have an HP Pavilion PC. It was originally purchased with Windows Vista installed, but it was so close to the release of Windows 7 that we got a free upgrade. It was then upgraded for free to Windows 10 (skipping 8.x entirely). The machine was having an issue, so we swapped the HDD to another nearly identical HP Pavilion which had belonged to my mother-in-law. Came up and worked like a champ, except for the fact that it now says that Windows in not Activated.


No big deal, I figured. I went ahead and ran the Activation, including going through the activation troubleshooter, selecting that the hardware has been changed. In that, I can see the machine name/PC model in the system. However, when I select it and continue, it tells me that I can't activate it.


So, the next step was to call MS Support. I get a lovely support rep who proceeds to tell me that she can help me. I just need my Windows 7 license number. All I can find is the Windows Vista key that is printed on the side of the case. Using a key reader program, I can see the Windows 10 key that is in the registry. But, no Windows 7 key anywhere.


Going into my Microsoft Account, I can see all of the machines that are associated with me, including some that I no longer own/no longer work. I would think that there should be a trail of key numbers/activations for my machines logged in the server.


So, after all of that rambling, I just need my son's PC to work. I am trying to do so legally, as this machine has been above board the entire time. Can someone assist me with this issue?


Aaron

:)

 

Windows 10 reactivation on hardware changes

Hi Florea,

It is possible that Windows won't be able to identify your computer correctly that is why the operating system is not activated. To address your issue, we suggest that you follow the steps in this
article on how to reactivate your Windows 10 after a hardware change.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

hardware changes and Reactivation issues

See support link on what to do after hardware change.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/20530/...

 

Windows 10 Hardware change

So i will be changing my cpu, motherboard, ram to the z170 and i was wondering how i am going to reactivate windows 10. my parts should be here by the 11/18/2015 i want to prepare. *Smile thanks!