Wasn't Windows 10 supposed to be free or something? I did a clean install of the Pro version and now it is asking me to activate. When I click Activation under Settings, I get Error code: 0xC004C003, now its asking me to change the product key.
What do I do now?
Weird thing is it says that I'm using a key whereas I never did enter one.
You must do an upgrade install at first. That is how MS recognizes that you own a qualifying version of Windows
So now I reinstall Windows 7 and then upgrade to 10???
This is the first time for everyone. As far as I know, you must install windows 7, SP1,( or upgrade to SP1 from 7) and then do an upgrade install.
You can try to download magic jellybean and get your key that was used to activate 7 and hope for the best.
And yes, it is free, for those that have 7 or 8. You have not given MS any way of knowing this since you initially cleaned installed. If you upgraded, they would know and then you could clean install.
Last edited by richc46; 03 Aug 2015 at 10:51.
No. Windows 10 is not free. You can UPGRADE to windows 10 for free. This means performing an upgrade install from Windows 7/8.x to 10 (keeping everything) the first time. After you have upgraded, you can clean install. Yes, it's annoying, but it's free so complaining because you have some extra hoops to jump though is pointless.
It's widely misunderstood that you a get a free license of Windows 10. You don't, you can upgrade your existing Windows 7 or 8.x license to 10 (it's the same license, just upgraded to allow you to also run 10).
yes you`r right about that, i ment if you had a payd retail win7 ultimat or pro, then you have to download (after activate from windows 7 to windows 10 ). Win 10 PRO and NOT win 10 N! then you will have problems to activate if you install whit win 10N( is for people that dont have a dvd/cd drive...! that is important to know!
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