Can't activate windows after motherboard upgrade

[sd_shooter]

So we purchased an HP 'gaming desktop' a few months ago. Son decided to move the guts into a new case and also went with a new MB at the same time. Pulled the processor, RAM and HD from the old computer.

But Windows 10 wouldn't activate! Tried everything:
- Activate via the MS account (wouldn't proceed to final stage)
- Tried calling MS: they said to call HP
- Called HP: They wouldn't give the Win10 product key since PC is now out of warranty after we ripped it apart
- Tried a tool to extract the product key from registry: didn't work (the tool found a key, but it didn't activate windows)

There is no sticker on the PC like in the olden days. No product key!

Any way to make this work or am I SOL?

Thanks

[TacFan]

I will send you a workaround later tonight

[MrFancyPants]

No you're not SOL, but Windows is licensed differently than it used to be. Most of the time, complete computers sold by vendors like HP use OEM product keys which are embedded in the BIOS. When your son swapped motherboards, the new system no longer has the product key it came with, hence why it won't activate. Also, OEM keys will generally not work after certain components are changed or upgraded.

Technically neither HP or Microsoft are obligated to help you since modifying the system falls outside their scope of support. They could if they wanted to be nice, but you know...

Honestly if I were you I'd just buy a retail product key, then you can activate it on any system, and move it if you upgrade. I bought my latest one for $10, works fine. I'll PM you the link. Yes, it's legit.

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[remusrm]

call the number on after failed attempts

[Tacoandbeef]

You could just use it without a activating windows, you'll just have an ugly wallpaper

[the86d]

I just bought 2 keys, myself, off of eBay.

I don't know if they will work, but you use the ISO/USB created from Microsoft's site to do the install (legit), then use the keys purchased (OEM keys from OEM Vendor? Won't upgrade, but clean install, he says).


I can't get Windows 10 to see the SSD on my son's T400, or I would verify they work.

He guarantees they will work, and to contact him if I have any problems.

[Tacoandbeef]

Google that, I forgot how I got my desktop to read the SSD, I think I had to go into hardware&drives to format it or something

[csshih]

then use the keys purchased (OEM keys from OEM Vendor? Won't upgrade, but clean install, he says).

legit keys as in they will legitimately install. if keys are this cheap they are from bizspark and made with fake businesses

[67Cuda]

I just bought 2 keys, myself, off of eBay.

legit keys as in they will legitimately install. if keys are this cheap they are from bizspark and made with fake businesses

I needed to load windows 7 in to a VirtualBox machine, I only had the upgrade disks for it.
After trying few YouTube videos, which had worked before for this same purpose, some how couldn't the one I used before, I decided to go to eBay and see what I could find.
Found a product key for $5.99, and it worked just fine. Do I know how this key was made available or where it came from and I don't really care.

[sd_shooter]

Thanks all!

How can I first upgrade this computer to Win10 Pro? (came with Win10 Home) I want to be sure all our software still stays on there, there's a lot of stuff needed for school so we can't wipe it.

[Skip_Dog]

You have to buy a pro 10 key and upgrade. The software on the drive may not work with the new MB.

[MrFancyPants]

I can't get Windows 10 to see the SSD on my son's T400, or I would verify they work.

You probably need to add the storage driver to the windows install image. If the default drivers aren't compatible the disk won't show up during setup.

Much slimmer chance but the SSD could be DOA or just not compatible with the device. Have you tested it in another system?

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[MrFancyPants]

Thanks all!

How can I first upgrade this computer to Win10 Pro? (came with Win10 Home) I want to be sure all our software still stays on there, there's a lot of stuff needed for school so we can't wipe it.

Shortcut: press the CTRL+X keys in Windows, click System in the flyout menu, then scroll down to the bottom of the window and click the link that says "change product key or upgrade your edition of Windows". You'll enter the product key you got and the PC will reboot and look like it's installing updates, which is adding the additional features of Pro.

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[Dirtlaw]

Could I get a copy?

I will send you a workaround later tonight

Could I get a copy?

[Dragunov]

I, also have several work arounds for it.