Windows 10 Pro for Workstations Activation Error
Summary: This KB article provides information about Windows 10 Pro for Workstations activation error on Precision Rack 3930.
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Symptoms
Cause
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations Activation Error
Attempts to image a Precision Rack 3930 with Windows 10 media creation tool to produce a Windows 10 Pro image prior to activation a preinstalled Windows 10 Pro for Workstations and mainboard injected license key may result in customers getting Windows activation error 0xC004C003, indicating an invalid license or license mismatch.
Windows reinstallation with the same image does not resolve the issue and neither does replacing a mainboard for a new injected license key.
This is because a standard (unadapted) Windows Media Creation tool generated Windows 10 Pro image is unsuitable for Windows 10 Pro for Workstations License keys systems.
Systems with OEM Windows 10 Pro for Workstations should ideally not be imaged prior to Windows Activation.
Resolution
Dell OS Recovery Image
If you already installed the wrong image on the workstation, download the Dell OS Recovery Image for the relevant service tag using the Dell OS recovery tool and install this image on the workstation.
For more information about the Windows 10 Pro for Workstation activation requirement for an Internet connection consult FAQs about Microsoft 365 on a Dell Computer
Affected Products
Precision 3930 RackArticle Properties
Article Number: 000125406
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 16 Mar 2026
Version: 7
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