Activation Problem - Win 10

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  1. Posts : 1
    Win10
       #1

    Activation Problem - Win 10


    Hello all

    I today downloaded the Win10 ISO with Microsoft's "create installation media" tool. I then extracted that ISO to my USB drive and used it to upgrade my activated 8.1 installation. It did not ask for any key during the upgrade process.

    Now, after installlation I cannot activate the product, if I try to enter my 8.1 key it says it is invalid. What do I need to do ? I think it expects a Windows 10 key... it does have a key entered by default that is not my 8.1 key (I can only see parts of it as Windows asteriks most away but the last few digits do not match my 8.1 key. But this one does not activate either...

    Thanks
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 14
    Win10 64 Pro 1607
       #2

    Same here. I also used the Media Creation Tool. I had a copy of Win10Pro already reserved...but not ready to download. I was running Windows 7 Ultimate. Now I have a smooth running upgrade to Windows 10 that can't be activated. <sigh...> To complicate matters I'm using a Metered connection. My monthly data is about used up after today. I already did the GBs worth of updates too. So I'm up (you know where) without a paddle. Is there an easy way out? Or do I just have to go out and buy a copy of Windows? If so, will an OEM product key (cheaper) work with my already upgraded and not activated Version of Windows 10 Pro?

    I posted in here because I think the same solution will apply to me too.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #3

    Can I reinstall Windows 10 on my computer after upgrading with free upgrade?

    Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer or Media Creation Tool on an activated Windows 7 or 8.1 PC, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 14
    Win10 64 Pro 1607
       #4

    Brink said:
    Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer or Media Creation Tool on an activated Windows 7 or 8.1 PC, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded.
    Thanks, but I am still unable to activate. Everything went smooth. Not a hitch. Windows 10 was already reserved but not ready to download. So I downloaded the Media Creation tool instead and created an ISO, then burned to DVD and installed from that DVD. My Windows 7 Ult. upgrade worked perfectly...except it still won't activate Windows 10. No hardware changes.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #5

    Lexus,

    If you are sure you upgraded to Windows 10 and not mistakenly clean installed, then you might give it a day or two to see if you are able to activate by then. Microsoft's activation servers have been under heavy load today, and may not always be able to activate at the time.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 14
    Win10 64 Pro 1607
       #6

    Brink said:
    If you are sure you upgraded to Windows 10 and not mistakenly clean installed...
    I guess I'm not sure. I ran the setup app on the ISO>DVD that I created for win10 from within win7. The install program asked me if I wanted to keep my files/apps. I thought this was an upgrade. Am I mistaken?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 60
    WinXp; Win7 Pro; Win10 Pro
       #7

    The issue Brink was referring to would be this situation:

    1) You created the USB or DVD disk using whichever method. It contains the Win10 installation stuff
    2) You reformat your C drive, thus wiping out all prior indication that you were running Windows
    3) You use the USB or DVD to install Windows 10- which will work, but you cannot activate your new installation.

    That was the condition he was referring to. In your case it seems that you simply let the installation put Windows 10 overtop of your existing install. It wouldn't matter if you told it to keep your apps and other stuff or not. Before it wipes out stuff it sees that you have a validate activated installation of Windows.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 23
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #8

    So basically what you're saying is after you created the USB or DVD disk DO NOT reformat your C drive and just install windows 10 on top of it?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #9

    Correct. You will need to "upgrade" to Windows 10 first.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 14
    Win10 64 Pro 1607
       #10

    Windowz10 said:
    That was the condition he was referring to. In your case it seems that you simply let the installation put Windows 10 overtop of your existing install. It wouldn't matter if you told it to keep your apps and other stuff or not. Before it wipes out stuff it sees that you have a validate activated installation of Windows.
    So does this mean I'm out-a-luck as far as getting my current copy of Windows 10 activated ?
      My Computer


 

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