Windows 10 Pro for Workstations Activation Error
Summary: This page 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
When you have a preinstalled Windows 10 Pro for Workstations and mainboard injected license key and attempt to image the Precision Rack 3930 with Windows 10 media creation tool and produced Windows 10 Pro image prior to Windows Activation.
This may result in customers getting Windows activation error 0xC004C003, indicating an invalid license or license mismatch.
Windows reinstallation with the same image will not resolve the issue and neither will 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 not suitable for systems with Windows 10 Pro for Workstations License keys.
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 their workstation, download the Dell OS Recovery Image for the relevant service tag via the Dell OS recovery tool and install this image on the workstation.
Note: For further information on the Windows 10 Pro for Workstation activation requirement for an internet connection please consult FAQs about Microsoft 365 on a Dell Computer
Affected Products
Precision 3930 RackArticle Properties
Article Number: 000125406
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 22 Jul 2025
Version: 6
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