This post is more than 5 years old
7 Posts
1
1350842
Windows 8 & 8.1 Activation Failed: Error Code 0xC004C003
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:
< LicensingData> 6.2.9200.16384 SL_LICENSING_STATUS_NOTIFICATION 0xC004F009 SL_GEN_STATE_INVALID_LICENSE 0 0 0 3667T 00179-60217-82995-AAOEM 6.2.9200.2.00010300.0.0.101 Windows 8 x64 Core 9200.win8_gdr.130531-1504 Pacific Standard Time(GMT-08:00) 9e4b231b-3e45-41f4-967f-c914f178b6ac Windows(R) Operating System, OEM_DM channel 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f 6ebfad4c-bf1e-b490-0792-af4805004a2e 05426-01796-021-782995-02-1033-9200.0000-2892012 OEM:DM 013973156267325267434076636570069414537104826838472680809750724 false S-1-5-21-3370853396-3622322263-2384857213 1033 1033 1033 SIGNED_INFO_PRS_SIGNED true 0x00020001 DELL AS09 Dell Inc. XPS One 2710 20131223172100.000000-480 < /LicensingData> < HealthCheck> PASS < /HealthCheck> < GenuineAuthz> 0xc004f200 < /GenuineAuthz> < /DiagReport>
KyuYpark
7 Posts
0
December 24th, 2013 20:00
Almrls
1 Message
2
January 25th, 2015 06:00
Thanks @NATAKUC4! The Windows “9” Product Key Viewer from Softpedia worked for me.
I had a Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga I was restoring to factory settings when I got the 0xC004C003 activation error. The viewer has to be Run as Administrator, and if the key that is showing doesn't work (which did not for me, because it was the default key), then check the "MSDM Key" box and a different key will appear.
AlfredoRetes
3 Posts
0
January 1st, 2014 17:00
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
7 Posts
0
January 1st, 2014 23:00
I installed the version A12 of BIOS.
That is the latest version for my DELL XPS All in one.
byuen
4 Posts
0
January 7th, 2014 20:00
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
3 Posts
0
January 7th, 2014 20:00
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
4 Posts
0
January 7th, 2014 21:00
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
7 Technologist
7 Technologist
•
16K Posts
0
January 7th, 2014 23:00
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
3 Posts
0
January 12th, 2014 12:00
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
1 Message
0
March 16th, 2014 06:00
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.
Philip_Yip
7 Technologist
7 Technologist
•
16K Posts
0
March 16th, 2014 08:00
Try the following:
If that doesn't work try phone activation:
puffle8822
1 Message
0
January 22nd, 2015 12:00
I'm getting the same error code, but I added Media Center to my Windows 8.1 PC and it changed to Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center. What happens when I do that?
Philip_Yip
7 Technologist
7 Technologist
•
16K Posts
0
January 22nd, 2015 12:00
You will need to reinstall your original Windows 8.1 using a Windows 8.1 .iso. After that is activated you will then need to add the media centre key via add features. See here for details:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso
ashishh
1 Message
0
January 23rd, 2015 05:00
bro please help me same problem im having tell me how did u activated plzzz plz
Nogakaft
1 Message
0
August 4th, 2015 06:00
Thank you @ALMRLS after three days of getting nowhere with dell support and Microsoft... my product key was also the MSDM KEY!