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A Rare Windows Activation Problem
Inspiron 15 3530
Hi, I was tinkering with the 'Change Product Key' Option in Setting: System > Activation. In the 'Enter a product key' dialog box I entered a random key. But, Microsoft Servers gave a rare response to the key. It was a legitimate key. So, in surprise, I activated the device with it. It took a while to install the professional version over the home edition. But, it was after the upgrade I came to know that the key was already in use by someone else and thus the activation process failed but the device upgraded. Now, I get 'Activate Windows' in the right bottom of the screen and can't personalize the device. The device came with a pre-installed and Activated copy of Windows 11 Home. I tried contacting dell support (Chat Code : #30176913 ) through the virtual assistance and I was guided to perform an Operating System Reinstall . However, the reinstall comes with user data loss. So, How can I have an offline backup of my files, installed applications and other device settings so that the professional edition problem doesn't returns on restoring using the backup ?
ejn63
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October 30th, 2024 01:09
Cleanest way is to buy a legitimate Windows Pro license key. Install it and you're set.
Otherwise, back up your data files (and verify they're all copied to whatever backup drive you have) and do a clean install of Windows Home.
ejn63
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October 30th, 2024 01:46
The backup to that level is all or nothing and the problem will return when you restore the backup. That's why you either need to proceed with a license key for the update, or back up just your data, and reinstall everything else.
satyamchaurasia196
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October 30th, 2024 01:31
@ejn63 How can I ensure that the created backup has all the installed application and user files so that restoring doesn't bring back the activation problem ?
Chino de Oro
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October 30th, 2024 04:19
Or, you can simply run Windows activation troubleshooting and Windows will restore the Home Edition license back to your system.
satyamchaurasia196
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October 30th, 2024 05:34
@Chino de Oro I tried the troubleshooter but it said
Chino de Oro
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October 30th, 2024 08:32
I guess that OS has been updated beyond reversible. Back to the same solution provided by other poster.