Windows key not accepted on upgrade install


  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    Windows key not accepted on upgrade install


    I upgraded my computer last night, and was stuck at one point when the W10 installer kept asking for my Windows key. Was running W7x64 SP1, activated and all legal. I typed in my product key and it said something on the order of "Sorry, that key doesn't work". Tried a legitimate 8.1 key, didn't like that either. I ran Magical Jellybean Keyfinder, and it came up with the same key on my W7 retail box; I VERY carefully typed it in again and W10 still didn't like it. I stopped the install, and on a hunch, opened computer properties and selected "Change Product Key"-mind you, W7 was activated and running properly. I typed in the SAME key for W7, (the same one Magical Jellybean found and the one on the retail box), it activated again, and I was able to run the W10 upgrade flawlessly- don't ask me why; it must be that "Something Happened" Seriously, Microsoft, you need to do better than that- the internet is already crazy with "Something Happened" memes.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    1ddalecki1 said:
    I upgraded my computer last night, and was stuck at one point when the W10 installer kept asking for my Windows key. Was running W7x64 SP1, activated and all legal. I typed in my product key and it said something on the order of "Sorry, that key doesn't work". Tried a legitimate 8.1 key, didn't like that either. I ran Magical Jellybean Keyfinder, and it came up with the same key on my W7 retail box; I VERY carefully typed it in again and W10 still didn't like it. I stopped the install, and on a hunch, opened computer properties and selected "Change Product Key"-mind you, W7 was activated and running properly. I typed in the SAME key for W7, (the same one Magical Jellybean found and the one on the retail box), it activated again, and I was able to run the W10 upgrade flawlessly- don't ask me why; it must be that "Something Happened" Seriously, Microsoft, you need to do better than that- the internet is already crazy with "Something Happened" memes.
    I think you tried to do a clean install the first time, and tried to do an upgrade the second time. That's why the second time worked.

    You must do an upgrade install the first time, and it won't ask you for a key. If it asks you for a key, it's because you tried to do a clean install.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I'm afraid that you are mistaken; upgrade install both times. I wanted to keep my apps and settings. That is why I was perplexed that it accepted the same key AFTER re-installing the key. It should have flagged me to activate W7 prior to this.
      My Computer


 

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