Activation doesn't work when upgraded from windows 7 sp1 retail 10162

Activation doesn't work when upgraded from windows 7 sp1 retail--Windows 10 home preview build 10162

I reported the issue to Microsoft but that could create a problem when rtm is released for those that quit the program on the release date. It looks like a lot of people will be making phone calls to activate windows. I tried changing keys, it didn't work. I even tried my windows seven retail key it wouldn't take it.

When I upgraded from retail to windows 10 according to Belarc Advisor (Key:None Activated)


I thought windows 7 retail key take priority over windows 7 Oem_slp key. I guess I could do the reverse and see what happens.

issue with MS activation server - they know and are working on it

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/i...8f165c1?auth=1

Kyhi said:

issue with MS activation server - they know and are working on it

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/i...8f165c1?auth=1

@Kyhi

I guess I will try again with the retail version of windows 7 but if it doesn't work I will do a phone call.


You should be ok to activate if you upgraded from windows 7 sp1 to build 10162. You are suppose to be able to leave the insider program on July 29 after the rtm build is installed and it should remain activated.


I upgraded from the iso image I created.

groze said:

@Kyhi

I guess I will try again with the retail version of windows 7 but if it doesn't work I will do a phone call.


You should be ok to activate if you upgraded from windows 7 sp1 to build 10162. You are suppose to be able to leave the insider program on July 29 after the rtm build is installed and it should remain activated.


I upgraded from the iso image I created.

Same issue. Mine did not ask for a key during install. After installation I used the corresponding key for activation. But activation failed. How will MS come to know if I have upgraded from a licensed version?

Hi there
Why not wait until RTM when that should work fine. Meanwhile grab a W10 preview ISI if you want to run W10 meanwhile. Backup your original W7 so you can Restore and then update at RTM time.

Cheers
jimbo

the issue is with windows 10 preview release - 158, 159 and 162

since it is a FREE preview - and a known issue - do not worry about activation, at least for now

bagavan said:

How will MS come to know if I have upgraded from a licensed version?

That's the question for me too (I tried upgrading from 8.1 and activation failed). I suspect I'll have to rollback to Windows 8.1 after they've fixed the servers so that it 'remembers' I had a valid 8.1 installation.

My point is this, see bold print in quote for details.

Upcoming changes to Windows 10 Insider Preview builds [UPDATED 6/22] | Blogging Windows (Link)

“I want to opt out of the Windows Insider Program on 7/29.” If you decide to opt-out of the program and upgrade to the 7/29 build you will be subject to exactly the same terms and conditions that govern the offer*that was extended to all Genuine Windows 7 and 8.1 customers. This is not a path to attain a license for Windows XP or Windows Vista systems. If your system upgraded from a Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license it will remain activated, but if not, you will be required to roll back to your previous OS version or acquire a new Windows 10 license. If you do not roll back or acquire a new license the build will eventually expire.

It won't even remain activated when you upgrade.


Will the phone activation work or will that just use one of those pre-release keys?

Update

One of the Microsoft employees said they were working on the activation servers and hope to have it fixed in next day or two. Also said he didn't think you need to activate it - as soon as servers were up and running you would automatically be activated. Activated or not everything should work just fine ?

Source from a commenter located here

I hope that info is correct.