Windows 10 can't activate after reinstall with dell recovery

The screenshot will not be visible until approved by a moderator. But have you gone to the following site and tried any of their methods. Occasionally activation is not immediate. MS was having a number of problems with their activation server, for instance, some weeks back. I realize you used the Dell recovery tool but can you confirm that it is the same version of Windows 10 you previously had installed?

https://windowsreport.com/fix-windows-10-wont-activate-reinstall/

I've run into the exactly the same problem. In addition to what you've tried, I also did a clean install with Microsoft installation media - no go. I then tried the Dell support media download which identified my service tag, the correct installation media which I downloaded (4GB), created boot USB, and reinstalled the image. No hardware changes and the exactly right image but still no activation. I called Microsoft and after a long discussion, they said go back to Dell and get them to provide a proper product key, then call Microsoft back to activate. So, I call Dell. I'm told that this is a know Windows/Microsoft installation problem and Microsoft knows quite well that this is a Dell volume license and there's no other product key - that it's something to do with Windows not installing properly. Since my laptop is now out of warranty, I would need to pay another $200 for more warranty, then I can access a technician who will edit my laptop registry to make it work again. I was warned though that every time I reinstall, I'd need a tech to make this registry tweak for activation to work. Seriously? Wish I knew what the registry tweak was - I'd do it myself. Dell suggests it a Microsoft problem. Microsoft says it Dell. Lots of finger pointing but in the end I will have to pay $200 to get it working. I'm thinking it might make more sense to just buy another Microsoft license. That way I can at least reinstall with my own serial any time I want. Very unhappy with both companies.

this is what you get when two big players on the computer market are playing soccer one of them being the creator of the operating system and there oponent being a system builder both players are big and verry well known in the market.I suggest the player who is responsible for causing this issue stands up and scores because as long as there are no major hardware changes customers should be able to reinstall Windows 10 any time they desire

just my 2 cents...

I tried all of the commands in the page JOcean listed and none of them fixed the problem. However, one command did give me a specific reason as to windows won't activate: the activation key has been blocked by Microsoft. It's ridiculous because the reason why I reinstalled windows using the Dell recovery tool in the first place was because a windows update caused my laptop to fail to boot with a blue screen of death. I called microsoft and they told me to call Dell. I called Dell and they refused to do anything because my laptop is out of warranty. Neither microsoft nor dell is taking responsibility even though one or both of them caused the issue. 

I am having the exact problems listed. It's funny and reaaaaly annoying that this happened less than a month after my warranty expired. (closer to 2 weeks, actually) I smell a money driven motive here....

Anyway, did you ever get an answer? or get it figured out?

Anything you can offer would be helpful... Thanks

All of you conveniently ignored JOcean's original question --- can you confirm that it is the same version of Windows 10 you previously had installed?

Interesting thing, I that I just this week was able to upgrade from Windows 7 Pro to Windows 10 Pro on a used laptop purchased on eBay. There was only a product key under the battery.  

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Aircooledbugbyt,

Click my name and private message me the pc service tag number as well as your registered name, email address, and phone number.

Hello, 

I'm having the same issue. My MIS team has tried to solve but couldn't. Can you help? Thanks! Breanna

Hi there @DELL-Jesse L  ....Having EXACT same problem and after speaking to Dell yesterday they are wanting to send out a technician to replace the motherboard, to replace the key, which will then allow Windows 10 to activate because current key is "blocked" and "can't be changed without new hardware because its stored on the motherboard". I've sent them all sorts of things that say identical to what Microsoft said - to just get Dell to give a new key and everything will activate and work without an issue.  I haven't scheduled it yet but this just doesn't feel to cost this much money (from Dell perspective) to get this working.  

Do you have a recommendation on what to do here?

Thank you so much.

-Dan

(It's a newly purchased refurbished computer from Dell still under warranty - never activated)

If it wasn't clear in my prior post - I opened a case with Microsoft that determined the key was blocked.  They were the ones that deferred to Dell saying it's not uncommon and its a simple fix by just asking for a new key.

Also in related news - a new email from Dell says they want to replace both the motherboard and the SSD now.

Thank you again @DELL-Jesse L for listening. 

On a personal note I just hate wasting money & resources and just trying to avoid the time, energy and waste associated with replacing everything just for a key.

Getting the same problem !!! 

I need to reinstall windows from scratch.... Used the amazing Dell recovery tool from Dell support advice.. But after 2 hours lost of my life.. I am getting Windows Activation error >  " Windows reported that no product key was found on your device. "

As far I can read ... regarding my Dell pruduct Tag, I bought DELL XPS 13 with Windows 10 Pro licence... so dear DELL .... FIX THIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW !

Was the system purchased direct from Dell, or a retailer or third party?

I think from some third party shop. But that doesnt matter. I can see regarding my Service Tag, that one of the option of the  XPS is Windows 10 Pro. 

I guess I will have to call some manager ..this is really annoying !

Sounds like a shady 3rd party shop.

You need to deal with them especially if Dell does not have an official presence in your country.

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This is a DELL problem, not an MS issue (yet).

They claim they have "burned" the key into the mb or some sheet. Don't ask me. I called support after my hd was reimaged by Dell and asked for the product key (my key was already showing up as invalid when returned to me). That's when I was told about this "change." Volume key I guess. But I am wondering if the USB recovery method would be able to adapt to this virtual key? Some above say NO. Anyway, I have asked Dell these same questions and have gotten minimal responses.

AND I have ProSupport (which is worth the $$, especially with accidental damage option, just in case your latte kills the poor thing). Without ProSupport, my wet laptop would have been garbage.

ebb