optiplex 7010 windows 10 activation fail

Re: That is exactly what I did.

if that does not activate your new Win 10, then it is possible the previous Win 10 activation on hdd was via OEM Win 7 license, not a retail Win 7 with key on COA?  Does your pc have a retail Win 7 COA?  If not, option 2 in 1st reply is a way to circumvent the issue.

Re: After reinstalling windows 10 the OS would not activate. It says that no product key was found on my device.

do a fresh clean install on ssd using Microsoft Windows 10 installation media download.  At beginning of install make sure you chose from list the Win 10 option that matches your current Win 10 on hdd.  If you have Win 10 home on hdd, choose home for new install.  Same for pro.  If Win 10 was activated on hdd, the new Win 10 on ssd should be automatically activated once on line.

if for some reason still no luck, borrow COA key from Win 7 Pro sticker on a business pc if you spot one at work or elsewhere, install Win 10 pro fresh on ssd, use win 7 pro COA key to activate Win 10 after install.

"do a fresh clean install on ssd using Microsoft Windows 10 installation media download. At beginning of install make sure you chose from list the Win 10 option that matches your current Win 10 on hdd. If you have Win 10 home on hdd, choose home for new install. Same for pro. If Win 10 was activated on hdd, the new Win 10 on ssd should be automatically activated once on line."

That is exactly what I did.

"windows 7 OEM license evident from the sticker on the front"

WIN10 requires the COA key for win7 HOME OR PRO

Thats the licence. SLP 2.0 key in bios is not going to activate 10.

You can use generic home or pro key to install but not activate. XP and VISTA keys DO NOT WORK for 10.

Generic $12 OEM DVD works fine.

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16832350238

You F12 boot this dvd and install 10 with generic key.

Generic product key

Windows 10 Home

46J3N-RY6B3-BJFDY-VBFT9-V22HG

Windows 10 Pro   

RHGJR-N7FVY-Q3B8F-KBQ6V-46YP4

You activate online using the KEY from the COA label.

COA key label

We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key.
(0x803F7001)

All drivers are in a single cab file that must be downloaded then moved to my documents folder

Once there you install 7zip to "extract here" via right click for every driver on the system.

https://www.7-zip.org/download.html

https://dl.dell.com/FOLDER01023400M/1/790-win7-A05-K36VY.CAB

The drivers are for windows 7 but work with 10 just fine.

Not supported doesn't mean not working.

Installation instructions

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-help-with-windows-activation-errors-09d8fb64-6768-4815-0c30-159fa7d89d85

If SLUI  3 is not working for you use Admin command prompt.

Click Start, type: cmd

Right click CMD click Run as administrator

At the command prompt, type the following commands:

slmgr.vbs -ipk xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx (allows you to replace the current product key with the specified)

xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx - represents your COA product key for WIN7 only.  XP and Vista Keys are not valid.

Hit Enter on your keyboard

Exit the command prompt

Restart your computer 

@redxps630 

"if that does not activate your new Win 10, then it is possible the previous Win 10 activation on hdd was via OEM Win 7 license, not a retail Win 7 with key on COA? "

This is nonsense.

10 activated online on a machine retains that activation even if the hard drive dies because the activation is on Microsoft servers not on a hard drive. There are no more permanent activation's.  If you do not go online every 180 days windows will de activate requiring SLUI 3 and the COA Key to Re Activate.

7010 models are from 2011

They never came with WIN8 (2012) or

WIN10 1507 (2015) key in bios

so they will not activate using OEM WIN7 SLP 2.0 Key.

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000180684

https://www.dell.com/community/Windows-General-Wiki/Windows-7-SLP-Keys/ta-p/5190724

SLP WIN7 keys won't activate 10 ever.

COA keys work for 7 but not for XP or Vista etc.

You must use generic Key to install then Run SLUI 3 to enter the WIN7 key to activate online.  This only works one time.  If the key was used on another pc it won't activate.  The same key cannot be used on multiple machines.

Install works with generic keys. Activation Does not.

You cannot install pro and use a home coa key.

You cannot install home and use a pro coa key.

At the time of install the generic key must match what version of windows the COA says.  XP and Vista keys do not EVER work.

Win10 Home:

YTMG3-N6DKC-DKB77-7M9GH-8HVX7

Win10 Pro:

VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T

@MrBanden "Generic $12 OEM DVD works fine", do not waste your money on bad advise, if you can't activate after installing genuine windows 10 which you downloaded directly from Microsoft (for free), then the purchased DVD won't have any magic to activate neither.

Also, you do not need to enter any of those pirated keys given by the other member (they weren't his to give in the first place).  Just tick the box don't have key and windows will continue to installation.  If your system was activated with a digital license then it will find it on Microsoft and reactivate for you again.  

You may want to verify your hard drive to see which version you have and installing the same version on SSD as advised by member @redxps630 .  Red had helped many users with windows installation issues and very knowledgeable.  

Just some input to help you solving your issue without wasting money unnecessarily.

Thanks a lot for your replies you guys!

Well, I feel pretty silly now because after checking out the activation on the old HDD it appears to be activated as a KVM client. Not entirely sure what that entails but some researching suggests that there might be some shadiness involved. On the settings activation page the status of activation is just blank.

Like I said I bought it second-hand and I just assumed that it was a OEM version of Windows 7 that was upgraded to windows 10. I can't remember if I asked about the license but I might have neglected to do that, so that is entirely on me.

I don't see a COA anywhere on the case but there is a windows 7 sticker, which probably means nothing. Would there be any reason to try with a windows 7 install?

@Chino de Oro 

"Generic $12 OEM DVD works fine", do not waste your money on bad advise, if you can't activate after installing genuine windows 10 which you downloaded directly from Microsoft (for free), then the purchased DVD won't have any magic to activate neither."

"Also, you do not need to enter any of those pirated keys "

This is also false and complete nonsense.  The Generic Keys are Known and come from Microsoft. They are not pirated keys. I have never used the term Magic for activation also nonsense.  Generic OEM DVD WILL install on most all dell models from 2006 to 2021 with Generic Home or Pro KEY

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16832350238

Win10 Version    Generic Key
Win10 Home      YTMG3-N6DKC-DKB77-7M9GH-8HVX7
Win10 Pro          VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T

 It will not activate. So as far as bad advice I completely disagree. WIN7 COA Keys work for this. WIN8 and 10 keys in bios will activate after you get online. Only XP and VISTA keys cannot be used. KVM client means it must be PRO and it must be able to see the corporate KVM server to activate using a login from the active directory.  That is NOT a COA key.

1. The DVD works

2. The DVD does not require being online to install

3. The DVD has native drivers for most USB Wifi and bluetooth dongles so if you do not have a wired connection you can get a wifi connection from hotspot or your phone etc.

4. Dual Band AC600 wifi adapters are very reasonable and they are plug and play.

https://www.amazon.com/Edimax-EW-7811UAC-Extension-Reception-Transmission/dp/B00LGN8I40/

It will run and allow you to get online, access your files and the internet as well as  purchase a key if that is what you need to do.  If you want help from microsoft purchase a retail USB flash for Home or Pro which comes with a card with a key on it that WILL ACTIVATE.  Email Key from Microsoft Requires giving up a lot of private information.

The OEM DVD always works unless you scratch it or otherwise damage it.

If it does not see the OEM DVD as bootable its because the region is not set for the drive.

This can be fixed many ways but I'm not going into that here.

@MrBanden , I am glad you didn't waste your money to buy the installation DVD and you found the problem before hand.  You already did your research at one of the resourceful site https://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com, Yip was helping out many users with issues here as well.  It is up to you now to get your Optiplex licensed.

@speedstep , I am here to help people and when I see bad advise, I called it what it is.  Because you are seriously think the purchased DVD would resolve activation issue for OP and it is better than downloading a windows 10 installation for free from Microsoft.  The main issue is with the license, not the resource of installation.

About those keys you posted.  If you already knew the keys were from Microsoft, then you should know those keys were issued to the system builders, and using those keys are abided by their license agreement.  But I know you didn't have malice intent, so I take those words back.  You are not pirating the keys.  You are only give them (without permission?).

Honest 2 cents advise, you can be really good and resourceful if you are less convincing people of the negatives (can't do) and more focus on the positive (yes, you can).  Watch your tone, offering free helps doesn't have to be unpleasant as you have created in many posts.  Other members are trying to help too, if you don't like their solution, offer yours, calling them nonsense or picking an argument will make you look immature and ill mannered.  Many users come here with issues and you managed to patronize, antagonize, and berating them.  Making everyone else here look bad.  When people tell you to bug off or go away, I felt embarrassed for you and have to say something because what you've done affecting others in here.

Some medicine are bitter but taking them will make me well.  Taking criticism will make me wise.

@Chino de Oro 

"speedstep , I am here to help people and when I see bad advise, I called it what it is.  Because you are seriously think the purchased DVD would resolve activation issue for OP and it is better than downloading a windows 10 installation for free from Microsoft.  The main issue is with the license, not the resource of installation."

1. "you are seriously think the purchased DVD would resolve activation issue"

Again nonsense.

The OEM DVD does not require the user to create or install anything.The DVD does not require the user to be online. Its not in anyone's best interest to have a dead machine and no way to get back online to fix it when hard drive dies.  $12 is reasonable and a good investment because the disk can be used over and over again. It doesnt go bad or otherwise de-trap like flash drives do.

The DVD works on most all Dell Models from 2006 to Now. The Activation Issue can be resolved when you have a clean install of windows and can get online.

For Newer Versions of the DVD when it asks for a Key you can tell it "I don't have a key and it will then ask you which version of windows you have." One of the reasons for the keys I posted being "Known" is that if you install with the "I don't have a key option" then look for the key in the registry the keys I posted are those exact same keys.

Microsoft Also posts those keys on their sites.

Windows with generic key will then install and work period end. It never activates when the Generic keys I posted are used. However they are known and If anyone had a problem with that they would have notified me as such. I absolutely do not need ask or require your permission.

You seem to be implying that you speak for me and Microsoft and Dell etc on a legal and authorization agreement in the area of intellectual property, particularly in regards to copyright infringement.  You do not. Cease and desist  from making representations of anything as a rule, contract, agreement or otherwise for anyone but yourself. You do not speak for me or Microsoft or Dell.  There is no issue. Your assertions are without merit and nonsense.

The License is on the COA sticker OR its on Microsoft Servers. Only WIN7 COA keys work.  XP and Vista Keys do not.  If the machine is 8 or 10 it wont ask for a key because its stored in bios.  Again the OEM DVD works fine in this instance.

If you ever installed 10 and activated this information is stored online in your microsoft account as well as with the hardware hash of your PC.

Reinstalling from the DVD using the Generic Key is fine and it will activate once online because it retrieves that information from the Microsoft Servers.

I also informed the OP that they would have to obtain a license if they cannot find or read the key on the COA.

The OEM SLP key cannot be used.

1) Obviously, I already installed Windows 10 and it's not like I have a dead machine, so if you are advising me to get the a 12$ OEM DVD that then needs to be shipped to me, just so I have the option to install if something should go wrong that is just not relevant to me. Honestly, that just confused me.

2) The generic keys you mentioned are indeed what you say they are, but it seems like when you select "I don't have a product key" it uses the generic keys anyway and that install then works fine for a month so you have time to figure out activation. So why even mention them, right? It just makes things needlessly confusing.

At any rate thanks for your help.

"Luckily I found a great offer on a windows 10 pro retail key from a trusted retailer for like $25. "

That is likely an fradulent key and will expire in 30 days or less.

10 home is $109

10 pro is $199

Retailers are not allowed to sell keys that would undercut system builders and Microsoft by that much.

Resellers offering these inexpensive KEYS cannot provide you with an actual image of the Product Key Card and Certificate of Authenticity, nor can they provide a proof of purchase for an ESD SKU from Microsoft.

 What you are in fact being sold is:

Academic Product: Licensed for student use only. activated multiple times.

Home Use Product: Large organizations that purchased licenses with Software Assurance via the Open Business or Enterprise channels have the ability to assign an employee a key code for use of the products on the employee’s “Home” PC. If you were sold one of these keys and call Microsoft for tech support, after you give them your product key they will ask for your Microsoft Authorization Number, which of course you do not have as that key is assigned to another organization.

MAK OEM Product Codes: OEM products come from PC makers and allow for more than one install to make sure the end user doesn’t have any issues. OEM products do not receive any technical support from Microsoft. When the Microsoft Activation Center finds a key that has been abused, they turn the key off, rendering the key invalid.

If Microsoft chooses,  they will  run a genuineness test on these products and find the key code you have is invalid, you will no longer be able to use the product you purchased. Microsoft will refer you to your place of purchase, and if the company no longer exists, you’re stuck with the invalid product key.

MSDN Abuse: MSDN is for developers who write programs using Microsoft products, MSDN allows them to get product keys for whatever Microsoft products they need, but these licenses are for development only. Many resellers sign up for these MSDN subscriptions to get access to these products keys, then sell the keys to unsuspecting customers.

Okay, now that is a bunch of scaremongering nonsense.

I checked. I am fully activated with no expiration. The key is correctly identified as a retail key. I checked it using ShowKeyPlus.

There are sites like Kinguin that sells keys legitimately for that low. They buy the keys from wholesalers who just had surplus keys they didn't need.