UNSOLVED
Windows 10 upgrade problem
I have an OptiPlex 3040 shipped 3/15/2017. It was manufactured with Windows 8 installed, but I had it downgraded to a 7 (at time of order). It came with a Windows 10 upgrade. I recently tried to install the upgrade, but couldn't get it to install. Couldn't even get the computer to start after trying. SO... I took it to my local computer guy who decided to do a clean install of a newer 10 version. Problem is that now windows will not activate. There is an error code 0xC004C060. Any suggestions? I don't even know what my original product id is/was. THANKS in advance!
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Posted May 2nd, 2020 17:00
Hi @lskeenan, If the product key is on top of your PC, it'll be 5 sets of 5 numbers and letters. Win8 & 8.1 keys are also accepted in Win10.
If it's a newer version of Win10 with updates, I'm surprised it isn't asking for a sign in with a Microsoft account, like the same sign in you would use for Outlook and so on.
Does it allow you to click on "I do not have a product key" and proceed forward from there?
This is just one article on the subject - The catch is while you can get by, it's still $120 for Home license and $200 for Pro license. This may or may not be for you: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/amp/
Another option: YouTube List Win10 No Product Key Regular size print: I stake no claim or knowledge to the legality of related YouTube videos.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12440/windows-10-activate Options to "Activate after reinstalling" do come up.
One more last ditch effort: Google "Windows 10 I do not have a product key" and see what works for you.
If the Product Key window doesn't show you "I do not have a product key" link, that option also comes up when Googling.
2612
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Posted May 2nd, 2020 18:00
I have always installed Windows 10 without using a Microsoft account. I was still able to do that with v1909 version.
2578
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Posted May 3rd, 2020 12:00
AFAIK, the Windows key is either on a sticker (on outside of machine somewhere) or it is burnt into the motherboard ROM. Many utilities can find and display that key.
That downgrade you did years ago is likely how this went sideways.
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Posted May 3rd, 2020 13:00
Suggestion for a utility to find the product key in the bios? It is NOT on the computer.
Thanks!
2571
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Posted May 3rd, 2020 13:00
Ok... How do I do that!?
2561
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Posted May 3rd, 2020 14:00
The only one I've used is:
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
But I saw several others I didn't try. So I can't say which is the best.
2557
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Posted May 3rd, 2020 14:00
Google search may also yield some options including videos.
653
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Posted May 4th, 2020 00:00
command prompt
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
It returns the product key if it finds one in BIOS, or returns nothing if not.
redxps630
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2632
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Posted May 2nd, 2020 15:00
If your new Windows 10 can not be activated based on current machine ID, you can borrow a Windows 7 product key from another desktop to activate it. Just make sure the Win 7 COA and your Win10 OS match in terms of Pro vs home (e.g., a Win 7 home key can only activate Win 10 home). If the Win 7 COA key has not been used to activate Win 10 before, it will most likely be successful on your pc. Look around there are plenty of desktops that are still on Windows 7. Your computer repair shop might be able to help you on that too.