Windows 10 Pro expiration/activation problem

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  1. Posts : 3,453
       #11

    Ron64 said:
    Reply for Bree: Tried entering VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T in the change product id in the activation window, got this reply: We couldn't activate Windows. We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key. if you think you do have a valid license or key, select troubleshoot below.
    (0x803f7001) ( followed by the purchasing option).
    Thanks.
    That was long shot, unfortunately we will have to start from scratch and install Windows 7 first.

    Can you send me this registry key?

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\ACPI\RSDT

    We will need that to get the OEM certificate in order to activate Win 7, assuming you are willing to go that route.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 13,900
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #12

    hawkman said:
    That model was sold with all W7 options + Linux.

    Presuming it has a service tag ID go to the Dell website input the tag ID see which version it was sold with, that may change the w10 default key,
    Missed the reply only saw the first stating its been scratched Off
    Roy
    Unless it has been modified the BIOS usually has the Dell Service Tag in it, helps if the S/T label is missing. That label also contains the Express Service Code that may be helpful to know. My Dell Notebooks just 3 years old have that label in the battery compartment.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 10
    windows 10 pro
    Thread Starter
       #13

    the license info has changed


    I have just become aware that I am no longer getting the pop-up warning of expiration, instead I now have a permanent message (watermark) bottom right hand of screen:
    Activate Windows
    Go to Settings to activate Windows
    I re-ran slmgr.vbs /dlv & the license info has changed. I assume that this is because I entered
    VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T in the change product id, as the license now shows 3V66T in the info, & there is no longer a volume activation expiration line countdown. Also the license info now does not show any reference to KMS, but states Product Key Channel: Retail.
    As I now have this permanent message on screen to activate, how long do I have to do this?
    Is the best way forward to save everything (portable h/d) & re-install Windows 7 Pro which will reformat the h/d on installation? If so...I will need to acquire a genuine Windows 7 Pro installation disc with a valid product key, then hopefully be able to update to Windows 10 Pro.
    Thanks.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 15,444
    Windows10
       #14

    Ron64 said:
    I have just become aware that I am no longer getting the pop-up warning of expiration, instead I now have a permanent message (watermark) bottom right hand of screen:
    Activate Windows
    Go to Settings to activate Windows
    I re-ran slmgr.vbs /dlv & the license info has changed. I assume that this is because I entered
    VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T in the change product id, as the license now shows 3V66T in the info, & there is no longer a volume activation expiration line countdown. Also the license info now does not show any reference to KMS, but states Product Key Channel: Retail.
    As I now have this permanent message on screen to activate, how long do I have to do this?
    Is the best way forward to save everything (portable h/d) & re-install Windows 7 Pro which will reformat the h/d on installation? If so...I will need to acquire a genuine Windows 7 Pro installation disc with a valid product key, then hopefully be able to update to Windows 10 Pro.
    Thanks.
    Actually, all you have to do is enter a valid 7/8/10 po key now and it will now activate - no need to reinstall anything.

    There is no actual time limit to do this but you will be unable to personalise the install in the meantime. A while ago, this only meant putting up with default wallpapers etc. Now the main restriction is updating such stuff as active hours (by default 8 am to 5 pm).
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #15

    cereberus said:
    There is no actual time limit to do this
    Except that we do not know how long Microsoft will continue to allow it for free (entering a Windows 7 or 8 product key).
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 10
    windows 10 pro
    Thread Starter
       #16

    is it that easy?


    Reply to Cereberus:
    ''Actually, all you have to do is enter a valid 7/8/10 po key now and it will now activate - no need to reinstall anything''.

    Is it that easy?
    I currently do not have a valid 7/8/10 pro key (or installation disc), but have seen on Ebay that there are (claimed to be) valid Windows 7 Pro product keys available for very little money.
    They are said to be valid, as they are sold by offering the damaged original pc part, ie; motherboard etc; (sent on request at extra cost) to conform to Ebay & Microsoft rules & regs.

    My question is...would one of these product keys work? I am not so sure, as I have read that they will not activate an ''upgrade'', & I am not sure if the Windows 10 Pro that I currently have was a full installation or an upgraded version prior to me buying it. Is there a way I can check this?
    Thanks.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 15,027
    Windows 10 IoT
       #17

    Buyer beware is my advice. Assuming said key hasn't already been sold to somebody else. Or has already been used to activate Windows 10. And its not an OEM key. It "might" work. There have been many many threads here with the subject line " I bought my key on e-bay and now my PC shows as not activated".
    Last edited by alphanumeric; 15 Mar 2017 at 10:16.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 856
    Windows 10 Pro 21H2 build 19045.2193 Dual Boot Linux Mint
       #18

    I'd avoid those cheap product keys, for every one that works there is one that doesn't or as happens in some cases gets blocked after a few weeks as it's already in use, look for the bad reviews, there may be genuine suppliers, however I would be wary. No way of knowing if say a retail key off a scrapped PC hasn't been used to install on it's replacement, having say the motherboard as proof doesn't actually prove anything. You could find that using one of these keys you eventually end up back where you started with an illegal key.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 13,900
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #19

    Bottom line? The OEM or System Builder versions are tied to the computer they are installed on, can't be transferred, while the Retail or Upgrade versions can be installed once on a Replacement computer but not both at the same time. Not knowing the exact source from whence the offer comes will leave one at risk.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 3,453
       #20

    See my previous post - no need to buy some dodgy key - we can get your Windows 7 OEM activation back based on the firmware marker.

    ... I will need that marker serial.. run ADT.. it should show it under Oem Table Id:
      My Computer


 

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