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94559wine

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June 3rd, 2020 13:00

Dell Recovery and Restore Windows 7 Pro Key Error - Protection Error: The key that you are using is not entitled for this PC


I'm attempting to reinstall Windows 7 Pro on an OptiPlex 790 with a wiped hard drive.

Using its Service Tag, I downloaded the Dell Recovery & Restore to a USB drive, connected the USB drive with Dell Recovery & Restore, and turned on the system.

When the Dell logo appeared, I tapped F12 on the keyboard several times to enter the system setup screen.
Using the arrow keys, I selected USB Storage Device and press Enter. The PC started the Dell Recovery & Restore software on the USB drive. I then got the following message:

Protection Error: The key that you are using is either not entitled for this PC or has been modified. Please recreate the key and use it for the designated PC.

I recreated the key, but I'm having the same problem. I can't find a solution to this problem. I'd welcome your help. Thanks! 

1 person also has this problem

speedstep

11 Legend

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47K Posts

June 3rd, 2020 18:00

1) A Dell computer that was shipped with Windows does not need to be activated, and thus doesn't care about the validity of the key it carries.
2) In the odd case where #1 isn't true, Dell provides actual license keys unique to each machine
3) Therefore, any computer trying to activate with Dell factory-integrated SLP  is, in all likelihood, not a Dell computer, and thus not authorized to use the Dell computer's license.

The type of key / method they use is called SLP, or System Locked Pre-Installation

Here are a few reasons why you might see activation error 0xC004F050:

  • You entered a product key that can't be used to activate Windows. Enter a different valid Windows 10 product key or buy a new product key. For more info, see Activation in Windows 10.
  • You upgraded to Windows 10, but the activation servers were busy. If

    Here are a few reasons why you might see activation error 0xC004F050:

    • You entered a product key that can't be used to activate Windows. Enter a different valid Windows 10 product key or buy a new product key. For more info, see Activation in Windows 10.
    • You upgraded to Windows 10, but the activation servers were busy. If you upgraded from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, Windows 10 will be automatically activated, or you can select Activate and try again.
    • You upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, but Windows 10 isn't activated after a reinstall. Windows 10 should automatically activate unless you made significant hardware changes (such as replacing the motherboard).
    • For additional troubleshooting steps, please see Get help with Windows activation errors.
    you upgraded from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, Windows 10 will be automatically activated, or you can select Activate and try again.
  • You upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, but Windows 10 isn't activated after a reinstall. Windows 10 should automatically activate unless you made significant hardware changes (such as replacing the motherboard).
  • For additional troubleshooting steps, please see Get help with Windows activation errors.

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