Windows 10: Windows is no longer activated after changing system time

My machine has been running just fine for a couple of years, surviving an upgrade from Windows 7 and multiple Windows reinstallations without any problems concerning activation. I am not sure where I got the key from back in the days, but I am certain I bought it on the internet.

Some days ago, I changed the system date into the future and back again when testing some software. I used to do this in the past and never experienced any problems. This time, however, shortly afterwards, an open Microsoft Office reported that it had detected an error and needed to be closed. I uninstalled and reinstalled Office, which failed. Only then did I realize that apparently Windows itself wasn't activated any more.

In system settings on the Activation page, Windows shows the error 0xC004F012. Trying to troubleshoot activation in Windows shows me error 0xC00000, so apparently there is some sort of permission error invoking the activation routines. I also noticed that the Software Protection service cannot be started (Error 5: Access is denied.)

I carried out the steps described here. The results of the diagnosis are attached.

I also tried what was suggested here: I booted into Windows PE and ran DISM using an ESD file generated by the Media Creation Tool. As far as I could tell, neither sfc nor DISM could find any errors. After rebooting, the error persists.

Is there anything else I can try?

I am on Windows Version 1909 (Build 18363.778).

:)

 

Can't able to change the system time

Hi,

If the system time is not changing after configuring the date and time settings on Control Panel, most likely, the BIOS clock is also incorrect. We suggest making sure that the date and time settings on your computer is properly configured. To configure
the date and time settings, follow the steps below:

• In Cortana search, type control panel.
• Choose Control Panel from the list.
• Select Clock, Language, and Region.
• Click Date and Time.
• Click Change date and time, then set the correct information.
• Click Change time zone, then select the correct time zone.
• Click Apply and then click OK.

If the system time still didn't change, we recommend that you contact the computer manufacturer for further assistance on how to check and configure the BIOS clock of your device.

Feel free to post back if you have other concerns.

 

Changing Time Format

Hi Mary,

There's a possibility that the set up time format in your computer Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is military time. To have this checked, you can try to reset the time of your computer through Control Panel. See the steps below on how to do
so:

• Open Control Panel > Clock, Language, and Region >
  Change date, time, or number formats. This would open the
  Region window.
• From there, click on Additional settings at the bottom part. It will open the Customize Format.
• Click Reset; then, OK.

The steps should work; however, if not, we suggest that you contact manufacturer and have the BIOS time checked.

Let us know what happens after doing the suggestions .

 

windows activation—hardware changed siginficantly

From time to time on my thoroughbred PC, I get a Windows activation message that says my hardware changed siginificantly and I have to re-activate Windows. My hardware hasn't changed any more than a network card (went from a wireless g card to onboard lan to a wired network card), and the install is legit. Why is it doing this, and how can I stop it?