Hi... I ordered a referb desktop with Windows 10. What came was a Windows Enterprise machine with Windows 10 referb key, and of course it did not work. A $ loss to return means I will not send back (stubborn). It runs fine, but needs registered to got to settings I desperately need? Can someone help get me get a workable combination? I could care less what it is. The only use is to operate my model railroad. I've tried all the downloads. Thanks, Zene
Perform a clean install using Microsoft's MCT.
The 'refurb' key should be recognised as such and allow activation. I know... I only buy 'refurbs' from companies participating in the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program... and I've never had a problem.
I very much doubt that you been scammed... it's a quite usual state of affairs, although usually the MAR does the clean install and leaves the device at the OOBE (Out Of The Box Experience) stage for customers to put the MAR key in. You should have been supplied with a MAR sticker to be affixed to the device to explain the use of a MAR key.
Read here for more info (but note that it refers to the earlier RRP program) and here for background info about the change.
Hope this helps...
On the sticker with the Refurb Product Key on it, what version of Windows 10 does it say that it is for? If it is for Windows 10 Pro, then disconnect the computer from all sources of the internet (unplug ethernet cable, turn off WiFi). Go to Settings, Updates & Security, then the activation tab from the list on the left column. With the computer disconnected from the internet, change the product key to VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T. That should change your installed Windows 10 to Windows 10 Pro. Then connect to the internet and then change the product key to the Refurb Product Key for Windows 10 Pro.
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