Getting Windows back

[sasha653]

Operating System is supposed to be Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-Bit) (At least that's what it says on my screen in the right hand corner)

My laptop went through some things and in order to fix it the motherboard was changed (years ago). Everything else works as good as new except for windows. I re-installed/re-downloaded it and ever since then I constantly have a blue screen telling me to activate windows. I used Microsoft's phone activation and they tell me that I need to have the Oem unlocked but I have no idea how to do that. I have the product key but it tells me that its the wrong one. And since my warranty expired there is no one that I could directly get answers from. How do I get Windows back. I dont care if its 8, 8.1, or 10. 

 Can I purchase just a new product key or do i have to be an entire new windows installation?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Your notebook originally came with W8.  If the motherboard was replaced, the W8 product key should be in the BIOS.

See if this works....I have zipped up and attached a free utility below that will show you the W8 product key in your PC's BIOS.

Change the product key to the W8 product key in the BIOS, and see if that activates windows.

Here are a few ways to do that...

https://www.intowindows.com/3-methods-to-change-windows-8-1-product-key/

[sasha653]

None of the steps worked. My laptop says that windows is not activated. Should I just get a new windows? If so which one?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Then you will have to buy a Windows with a key.

I would go with W8.1 or W10.

HP does have drivers for W10 but they are old, and I don't know if the latest version of W10 will work with your notebook.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/HP-ENVY-m6-Sleekbook/5375388/model/5390695

[sasha653]

Do you know where I can get one that is legitimate?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Windows 10, you can buy directly from Microsoft...

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/windows-10-home/d76qx4bznwk4/1NT3

Windiows 8.1, unfortunately I don't know, since Microsoft no longer sells it.

You can try e-bay or amazon and make sure the seller's software is legit (original sealed package with key).

[sasha653]

Thank You So Much!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.