Failure to get past windows logo screen

First, assuming the new computer has Windows 10 on it (and it should), all you have to do is upgrade it to the latest version of Windows 10.

Second, from there, use the key to your Retail Pro version of Windows 10. Hopefully, you've kept it in a safe place and haven't lost it.

Most likely you'll have to call Microsoft to straighten this mess out because, as you know, your license is for one computer and since you can't "deactivate" Windows 10 on the old one, well . . .

Once Microsoft pegs you as "illegal", you should see a phone number for calling Microsoft. Tell them exactly what happened with as few words as possible, and things should go good from there.

Finally, if you buy a computer with Windows 10 Pro on it, you're good to go and shouldn't have to jump through any more hoops.

And a PS: Since the old computer is a desktop, and if you can find the key to your retail version of Windows 10, you can buy a new hard drive and install Windows 10 Pro on it.

Last thing: Get Macrium Reflect Free and back up your computer regularly! Then, if something like this happens again, all you have to do is Restore Windows 10.

BTW, I'm not a fan of anything that prevents my getting into my hard drive without having to jump through hoops.

Install, enter the key. If problems try phone activation. If still problems call Microsoft. They will take care of it.

kevvyb said:

Hi Thanks for that and to everyone else who has responded.

Yes of course! Wondering whether to risk just trying a wipe and re-install on the current drive in the current machine.... I could then reactivate and get the digital key. Data is not an issue - have numerous copies of that so there was no loss.

I suppose only risk would be if the disk is totally screwed then I would not be able to reinstall and therefore no chance of recovering the key from existing installation on that drive. But given that disk is still spinning and responding to commands via cmd prompt (even if they are not completing correctly) maybe it is just the installation that is screwed and not the disk itself.

I am still looking for the keys I know I recorded when I upgraded retail win7 to retail win10 !!

Is there a command line version of showkeyplus? If so that might also work?

Here's the thing, Kevvyb:

Once Windows 10, any version, is installed on a computer, all you have to do is reinstall. Period. Microsoft has a record of everything on that computer; formatting, or in worst scenario, changing the hard drive won't affect your license. It's tied to that machine!

kevvyb said:

Hi all

Thanks for the replies. In the end I just deicded to wipe and reinstall as I always keep multiple copies of all my data.

Did it work, Kevvy? Inquiring minds need to know!

Edit: BTW, be sure to get Macrium Reflect (free or paid) and back up the computer so if something like this happens again, a restore will take care of the problem.