Windows 10: Windows License Expiring

As far as what price to pay - you get what you pay for. If you don't purchase a full product package that comes with a printed product key label from Microsoft that needs to be scratched off like a lottery ticket, then you are taking your chances regarding the authenticity of that product key.

Changing just the product key should work, but the first thing I would try is changing the product key to the generic Windows 10 Pro product key provided. Windows 10 will either activate with it, if you are lucky, or it will tell you there is no digital for Windows 10 for that computer. Then you know, at least, the activation services and programs on the computer are working correctly, and that should get rid of the expiration date and put you into notification mode.

 

It says OEM key not present in firmware, should I still try the generic key?

 

Yes

 

As to the price this link is the best legitimate source - Microsoft ...

Windows 10 for Home, Students and Office Professionals.

You may be able to get a discount if you qualify for any of the special, (education or similar), versions.

If you have a valid Unused windows 7 or 8.1 Licence key you may find that the free upgrade is still possible but this is not a guaranteed option You just need to install a fresh version of Windows 10 that matches the version you have a key for and enter the key when prompted, it may activate as a lot of users are reporting that the upgrade offer although has officially ended is actually still active.

 

Just changing the existing product key to a matching Windows 7 or 8 product key will sometimes work as well.

 

Entered the generic key and it says can't activate since I don't have a valid digital license or key. It asks whether I want to troubleshoot and gives an error code 0x803F7001. It then says go to the store to purchase a valid license. Does this mean to clock has stopped running or am I still under the gun.

 

You are now in notification mode. It will nag you to activate. You won't be able to change some personalization settings. It does violate the EULA to use the OS this way (but the previous EULA - End Users License Agreement - was already violated anyway). But, it won't expire.

It appears as if the activation and licensing services and programs are intact, though, so you should just be able to change the product key again to a valid one and be good to go.

 

Also You could try contacting eBay about the possibility of any action they can start for the recovery of the money you paid to this scammer for the software - I would not hold out a lot of hope but they do advertise a money back guarantee on most sales so it may at least help with the cost of the legit software. It would also be a good idea to consider completely removing the counterfeit OS, as you never know what, (nasty), extras may have been added to the original, ( key loggers, etc )

 

Thanks to all for the great help. I will post when I finally bring this to a conclusion.

 

Buy Microsoft Windows Ultimate, Professional, Home & More - Newegg.com

 

Have given up trying to get in touch with Maxxx Computers/Adam Cooke and filed a complaint with the Cleveland BBB. Never got through to E-Bay as his seller ID is no longer active. I went ahead and purchased a new set of the software. I want to go ahead and install the software. Do I have to remove the old Windows software or does it get removed during the installation process?

 

If the Windows 10 you purchased is Windows 10 Pro, and if you want to keep what you have now, all you have to do is go to the activation screen and change the product key to the valid Windows 10 Pro product key that you purchased.

If you want to install a new, clean version of Windows 10, then we recommend that you back up everything that you want to keep onto a separate hard drive, USB flash drive or DVD. During Windows 10 setup, select the custom install option, you will be shown a list of partitions existing on the installed hard drive/SSD. Delete those partitions one by one. This will completely erase the hard drive. Then pick the unallocated space and click next to let Windows set up the standard partitions and install itself.

 

Clean Install Windows 10

 

i fell prey to the same scam. filed with bbb. just contacted ebay. in the meantime, i have an invalid copy of the o.s. bummed.

they had the gall to respond to my bbb complaint by telling me to buy a $2 product key from a euro ebay seller. are they trying to get arrested?!

 

A legit Windows 10 Pro retail license should be right around $200. This copy is the one Microsoft intends for you to run. You can move it to another machine later if you decide to get a new computer.

You can also get Windows 10 Professional 64bit OEM (or Systems Builder) edition. The price here is around $140. Technically, as a home user/hobbiest/enthusiast, the EULA says you aren't supposed to use this license. This however doesn't mean it doesn't work. The Systems Builder version is only to be used on the computer you first install it onto and activate. You aren't allowed to move it.

You might find a sale or discount of a few $$'s. But if it's like 1/2 or 1/4 or 1/8 of the prices I listed above, it's most likely a scam.

Just out of curiosity, how much was this license you purchased from this reseller off eBay?