clean install *HOW TO ACTIVATE

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  1. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
       #1

    clean install *HOW TO ACTIVATE


    Hello.

    I have just completed a clean install of windows 10 (the upgrade from windows 7 failed 5 times) and I cant work out how to activate my copy. I reserved my copy on windows 7 but it is now asking for a serial key?

    This is my main PC and I would really be grateful if someone could assist me.

    Thanks

    Adam
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 165
    Win 10 preview 10074
       #2

    Do you have the install key for Windows 7 (from a "sticker" on computer or from packaging that came with Win7 disk)?

    You are supposed to do an "Upgrade" install then once that is activated, you can go back and do a clean install. It seems you may have skipped a step.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    CountryBumkin said:
    Do you have the install key for Windows 7 (from a "sticker" on computer or from packaging that came with Win7 disk)?

    You are supposed to do an "Upgrade" install then once that is activated, you can go back and do a clean install. It seems you may have skipped a step.
    I do have my windows 7 code here, Shall I try that?

    If this fails what should I do, I installed it via the USB.

    Thank you for your help so far
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Ahh and just to add, the code did not work
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 68,668
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #5

    Hello Adam, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)


    If you did a clean install without upgrading first like below, then Windows 10 will not activate.


    Can I reinstall Windows 10 on my computer after upgrading with free upgrade?

    Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer or Media Creation Tool on an activated Windows 7 or 8.1 PC, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thank you for the information.

    What steps shall I take to get my Windows 10 activated?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,366
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #7

    Brink gave the explanation above. You'll need a previous version of 7/8/8/1 installed and activated first. I'd install Windows 7 clean, and then activate it with your existing key. Once that's done, upgrade to Windows 10 and that will activate. Going forward, you'd be able to do a clean install of Windows 10 on that computer.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Ok. Thank you for your reply's. I was wondering if there was any other way (I unplugged my DVD Drive).

    Thanks again
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 68,668
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #9

    You could use a USB flash drive instead of DVD to install Windows 7 again, but you'll need it's key to activate Windows 7 before upgrading to Windows 10.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 60
    WinXp; Win7 Pro; Win10 Pro
       #10

    Put another way, you have to go back to your prior Windows install and do the upgrade on that.

    If you have no way to return to your prior Windows install, you can't activate Windows 10 using the free upgrade.

    That being said, if you have your older OS key you should still be able to pull the install down for that OS and use the key to re-install. Your hardware would still match what Microsoft has recorded against your key, so that fresh install of the old OS should activate. You then proceed with the upgrade, then finally after the upgrade to Windows 10 is activated, you blow away the old OS for good and go back to fresh Windows 10.

    Note: Typed and posted while the other other prior posts were created....
      My Computer


 

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