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Windows won't activate clean install after upgrade from Windows 7
Hi, I upgraded to Windows 10 Pro 64-bit from Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit when Windows 10 launched, then a few months later, around New Year I decided to do a clean install. I made an installation disc with the program from Microsoft's website and did the procedure, skipping when asked about a product key.
After that, however, I started getting messages that "Activation failed because this device doesn't have a valid digital entitlement or product key. Error: 0x803F7001". That is even though I still have the emails from when I upgraded to 10 and my old install is still listed on my Microsoft account. When I asked Microsoft on the phone about this they told me I needed either the key I used for Windows 7 with which I upgraded or a new Windows 10 key. My old key is long lost and I feel I shouldn't have to pay for a new key when it is pretty clear it's the same machine and since it's also stated I don't need a key after a clean install after an upgrade.
Is there any way to prove that my laptop is the same one that upgraded from windows 7 so that I can get my OS activated? Any and all help is much appreciated!
Here are some of the things that I already tried per advice elsewhere:
- A program that shows the Windows key. It found a key but when I tried it in Change Product Key in settings it thought about it for a while and said "Windows can't activate with this product key" with the same error 0x803F7001 as before. I will probably call Microsoft tomorrow about this key.
- Possibly a new MAC address was made. Nope, it's the same one according to my router.
- Incorrect date and time. Everything regarding that is set to automatically get the information from Microsoft.
- Laptops have the key on a sticker on the bottom. Mine didn't come with Windows so no sticker.