Windows 10: Windows only activates with a clean install not from an image restore

Discus and support Windows only activates with a clean install not from an image restore in Windows 10 Updates and Activation to solve the problem; Hello have a question on behalf of my Son, he recently had a problem with Windows not booting, so reinstalled a Macrium Reflect image, unfortunately it... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Updates and Activation' started by reddwarf4ever, May 28, 2020.

  1. REDDWARF4EVER
    reddwarf4ever Win User

    Windows only activates with a clean install not from an image restore


    Hello
    have a question on behalf of my Son, he recently had a problem with Windows not booting, so reinstalled a Macrium Reflect image, unfortunately it refused to activate. He then did a clean install of W10 and using his Windows 7 pro key, which he used previously to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro, it activated immediately. So I assume the digital licence is valid with MS servers. Is there any way of getting the activation to work with his MR image restoration ? I had a similar issue recently, I suggested he try the MR image restore then do an in place repair upgrade, although when I did this it prevented my PC being activated, had to restore a MR image before the W10 repair upgrade then it activated immediately.....on a personal note I actually phoned MS about My issue and all the support lady said was the free upgrade was no longer available, couldnt get any help at all, support does seem to vary, depending on who you get *Confused

    Going back to my Sons problem, if the repair upgrade after restoring the MR image doesnt activate, is there any other option ? Can he install windows 10 maybe, and keep his personal files ? Quite happy t reinstall his Apps.....

    :)
     
    reddwarf4ever, May 28, 2020
    #1
  2. JIMMY 2004
    Jimmy 2004 Win User

    Clean Install Workaround for Vista

    You may remember this news story on techPowerUp! a couple of days ago relating to the lack of clean installs when using the Upgrade Editions of Vista, which required an old OS to be installed. However, Paul Thurrott has managed to find a workaround for this issue, which ironically lets users do a clean install Vista without any previous version of Windows, albeit a little tedious. Here are the steps:
    • Boot from the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD as normal
    • When prompted for a product code, leave this blank
    • Select the version of Vista you have purchased and let Vista install
    • When you boot to your desktop for the first time, run the Vista setup from Windows
    • This time enter your product key
    • When asked whether you want to do an Upgrade of Custom install, select custom and choose a clean install
    • Windows will now install for a second time and you should be able to activate it
    Remember, these steps are only advised for use in order to achieve a clean install of Vista, it is only legal to use the upgrade editions if you have previously purchased the appropriate version of Windows.

    Source: DailyTech
     
    Jimmy 2004, May 28, 2020
    #2
  3. TOPGUNDCP
    topgundcp Win User
    Restoring Windows 10 Image using Macrium Reflect


    In addition to the above. Here's my suggestion in step by step.
    I assume you have Macrium Installed in your current HD and already made a backup copy.
    1. Connect your new HD via USB port and boot up.
    2. Run Macrium, click on Restore tab then select the Backup Image that you made to restore
    3. click on "select a different target disk" then select your new HD as destination

      Windows only activates with a clean install not from an image restore [​IMG]
    4. Proceed to restore then Shutdown and disconnect the old HD and replace with the new HD
    5. Boot up with your new HD.
     
    topgundcp, May 28, 2020
    #3
  4. REDDWARF4EVER
    reddwarf4ever Win User

    Windows only activates with a clean install not from an image restore

    Windows only activates with a clean install not from an image restore

    Hello
    have a question on behalf of my Son, he recently had a problem with Windows not booting, so reinstalled a Macrium Reflect image, unfortunately it refused to activate. He then did a clean install of W10 and using his Windows 7 pro key, which he used previously to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro, it activated immediately. So I assume the digital licence is valid with MS servers. Is there any way of getting the activation to work with his MR image restoration ? I had a similar issue recently, I suggested he try the MR image restore then do an in place repair upgrade, although when I did this it prevented my PC being activated, had to restore a MR image before the W10 repair upgrade then it activated immediately.....on a personal note I actually phoned MS about My issue and all the support lady said was the free upgrade was no longer available, couldn’t get any help at all, support does seem to vary, depending on who you get *Confused

    Going back to my Sons problem, if the repair upgrade after restoring the MR image doesn’t activate, is there any other option ? Can he install windows 10 maybe, and keep his personal files ? Quite happy t reinstall his Apps.....
     
    reddwarf4ever, May 28, 2020
    #4
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Windows only activates with a clean install not from an image restore

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