How to unblock a product key

[TOHTech]

I reset the computer and attempted to wipe all of the files off of it.

The reset had failed and it would not allow me to go back to the desktop, the only option left was to set it back to its factory settings.

When the computer was finished a pop up kept coming up saying "Activate Windows" and to enter a product key.

So I used a tool to extract the old product key and I verified the last 4 digits to make sure it had pulled the correct one.

I then entered the key in and it said that key had been blocked.

I called microsoft first, they told me to call HP to unblock it.

My warranty is up on the PC so I am unable to call for free.

The desktop is a Pavilion.

How can I get my key unblocked or get a new one without having to purchase anything?

[banhien]

@TOHTech

Welcome to HP Support Forum. Please let us know TWO things:

(a) What is your computer ? Please check its label at the back,

(b) What is its Operating System (which Windows version) ?

Regards.

[mdklassen]

> So I used a tool to extract the old product key and I verified the last 4 digits to make sure it had pulled the correct one.

Was the HP computer running Windows 8, as pre-installed from the factory?

If so, you need a tool to extract the product-key from the BIOS.

A tool to extract the product-key from the Windows Registry will extract the product-key that the factory used to install Windows 8 on every computer that they manufactured.  That key is "blocked".

If the computer was shipped with Windows 7, use the product-key on the decal on the outside of the case, and reinstall Windows 7.

If the computer was running Windows 10, you have a "digital entitlement" to reinstall Windows 10, at any time, at no cost.

See:  https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

for a free download of the "March 2017 Creators Update" release of Windows 10.

[TOHTech]

It is a Pavillion and it is running 8.1

[mdklassen]

Please read: https://www.top-password.com/blog/how-to-retrieve-product-key-from-your-new-windows-8-computer/

for software to extract the product-key for Windows 8 from the BIOS.