Windows 8 & 8.1 Activation Failed: Error Code 0xC004C003

[KyuYpark]

I have recently updated my preloaded window 8 to 8.1. However, after the update it does not accept my old window 8 key and requires me to activate again using a product key. Here is the error code: 0xC004C003

My DELL XPS came with a preloaded copy of window 8 and yes it has a window 8 sticker at the back

and was fully activated before I updated to windows  8.1.  And as far as I know, system which comes with preloaded window 8 has its product key injected to the motherboard and 8.1 is a free update for window 8 users.

So why the update does not accept my window 8 key and ask me for a new key ? I know my window 8 key cannot be used for any other system because the key is injected in the motherboard and I don't even know the key myself.

So what can I do now for my Window to be activated again ?

More frustration is that I can't get back to windows 8.

I tried to reset to the factory image by using DELL backup & Recovery software built in the system.

However, after resetting to the factory image it does not accept embedded product key.

Here is  details from the Diag Report:

<DiagReport> < LicensingData>   <ToolVersion>6.2.9200.16384</ToolVersion>   <LicensingStatus>SL_LICENSING_STATUS_NOTIFICATION</LicensingStatus>   <LicensingStatusReason>0xC004F009</LicensingStatusReason>   <LocalGenuineState>SL_GEN_STATE_INVALID_LICENSE</LocalGenuineState>   <LocalGenuineResultP>0</LocalGenuineResultP>   <LastOnlineGenuineResult></LastOnlineGenuineResult>   <GraceTimeMinutes>0</GraceTimeMinutes>   <TotalGraceDays>0</TotalGraceDays>   <ValidityExpiration></ValidityExpiration>   <ActivePartialProductKey>3667T</ActivePartialProductKey>   <ActiveProductKeyPid2>00179-60217-82995-AAOEM</ActiveProductKeyPid2>   <OSVersion>6.2.9200.2.00010300.0.0.101</OSVersion>   <ProductName>Windows 8</ProductName>   <ProcessorArchitecture>x64</ProcessorArchitecture>   <EditionId>Core</EditionId>   <BuildLab>9200.win8_gdr.130531-1504</BuildLab>   <TimeZone>Pacific Standard Time(GMT-08:00)</TimeZone>   <ActiveSkuId>9e4b231b-3e45-41f4-967f-c914f178b6ac</ActiveSkuId>   <ActiveSkuDescription>Windows(R) Operating System, OEM_DM channel</ActiveSkuDescription>   <ProductUniquenessGroups>55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f</ProductUniquenessGroups>   <ActiveProductKeyPKeyId>6ebfad4c-bf1e-b490-0792-af4805004a2e</ActiveProductKeyPKeyId>   <ActiveProductKeyPidEx>05426-01796-021-782995-02-1033-9200.0000-2892012</ActiveProductKeyPidEx>   <ActiveProductKeyChannel>OEM:DM</ActiveProductKeyChannel>   <ActiveVolumeCustomerPid></ActiveVolumeCustomerPid>   <OfflineInstallationId>013973156267325267434076636570069414537104826838472680809750724</OfflineInstallationId>   <DomainJoined>false</DomainJoined>   <ComputerSid>S-1-5-21-3370853396-3622322263-2384857213</ComputerSid>   <ProductLCID>1033</ProductLCID>   <UserLCID>1033</UserLCID>   <SystemLCID>1033</SystemLCID>   <CodeSigning>SIGNED_INFO_PRS_SIGNED</CodeSigning>   <ServiceAvailable>true</ServiceAvailable>   <OemMarkerVersion>0x00020001</OemMarkerVersion>   <OemId>DELL  </OemId>   <OemTableId>AS09   </OemTableId>   <Manufacturer>Dell Inc.</Manufacturer>   <Model>XPS One 2710</Model>   <InstallDate>20131223172100.000000-480</InstallDate> < /LicensingData> < HealthCheck>   <Result>PASS</Result>   <TamperedItems></TamperedItems> < /HealthCheck> < GenuineAuthz>   <ServerProps>0xc004f200</ServerProps> < /GenuineAuthz> < /DiagReport>

[KyuYpark · Accepted solution]

Successfully activated Windows 8.1 after installed the latest version of BIOS.

[AlfredoRetes]

i have the same issue.. but i already installed the latest BIOS version (A07) and Windows is still not activated.. what can i do ?

[KyuYpark]

I installed the version A12 of BIOS.

That is the latest version for my DELL XPS All in one.

[byuen]

I had a similar problem with brand new Dell Workstation with Win 8.1.  I upgraded to 8.1 before Christmas. Sometime after Christmas my computer now say to activate Windows - WTF.

Support was hit and miss.  

I have no sticker of the key anywhere. Dell has embedded it on the motherboard.

Tech support suggested I "Refresh" my Windows 8.1 back to 8.0. That seemed to work fine. My computer is now activated and I'm going through the process of upgrading back to 8.1 again.

Before you do anything refresh, Backup your DATA

You will have to reinstall some of your application once again. The refresh process will list the apps for you.

Good luck.

[AlfredoRetes]

Thanks Byuen, i tried with Dell Support and Microsoft also but it was useless, i had to refresh my brand new Dell Inspiron back to windows 8.0. It seems to work fine and im just thinking twice before i update to 8.1, but i will have to do it sooner or later. Anyway thanks for your help, and good luck with the update. 

[byuen]

Once you refreshed, you have to do a search in your windows 8.0 for this file.

wsreset.exe  

You need to run this on your system to clear the cache so that Store can reload the Windows 8.1 update. You also have to reboot. Took me forever but I just found the instructions a few min ago.

I'm trying reboot my machine remotely but it a PITA. I may have to do the reboot back at the office in the morning.

Bob

[Philip_Yip]

Okay we have been working on a few things on eightforums in order to clean install Windows 8.1.

The tips on product activation should help you with the Windows 8.1 update. Essentially the recommendation is to use the Windows 8 Product Key viewer:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Info/Windows-8-Product-Key-Viewer.shtml

This should find your 25 digit product key. If product activation files during the Windows 8.1 update then you can input it via an elevated command prompt, for more details see:

http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/34102-how-download-windows-8-1-clean-install-2.html

[AlfredoRetes]

Thanks very much Bob, i was just wondering why the update didnt show up in the windows store. Thanks again, and i hope you got your laptop running just fine.

[aggashish]

my window does
not accept my window 8 key and requires me to activate again using a product key.

Here is the error code: 0xc004c003 

My DELL laptop came with a preloaded copy of window 8.

So why the window does not accept my window 8 key and ask me for a new key ? I know my
window 8 key cannot be used for any other system because the key is injected in the
motherboard

So what can I do now for my Window to be activated again ?

I got frustrated that I can't get back to windows 8.