I can't activate Windows - no key in bios

[Markus1337]

Hello,
after I had to replace my hard drive, I wanted to reinstall Windows10.
After the installation, I wanted to activate Windows, but got an error message: Windows has reported that no product key was found on your device. Error code 0xC004F213
I tried Win10 and Win11 - same error.
I then installed the HP Cloud Recovery Tool - entered the product ID 4CP24EA#ABD there - unfortunately I also got an error message here: Product ID does not match or is invalid - contact HP Support.
There was another link where I could enter the product ID again, and the result was: Item00115 - please contact HP Support.
What do I have to do to get a key to activate Windows? I'm sure it worked on this PC before

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

There is nothing wrong with your PC.

It came with FreeDOS 1.2 which means that customers have to supply their own operating system and product key.

HP Pavilion 590-p0517ng Desktop PC Product Specifications | HP® Support

Operating System

FreeDOS 1.2

Since your PC came with FreeDOS it would not be supported by the HP cloud recovery tool.

Try reinstalling the W10/W11 version you previously had installed, and this time when you are asked to enter a product key, select the 'I don't have a product key' option.

If Windows had been activated on the old hard drive, Microsoft's activation servers should have a record of the PC having previously being activated.

If that doesn't work, you will have to purchase W11 with a product key and make sure you save the key for future installations.

[Markus1337]

Ahhh, now that you mention it, I remember - FreeDOS...
Thanks - then the error must have been mine 😉
Can you tell me how you got the product specifications? I was looking for a page like that that would show me which OS the PC was delivered with - but I couldn't find it...

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

I did a search by the model number you posted using Micrsoft Edge and got the specs.

590-p0517ng - Search

[Markus1337]

Edge seems to work better than searching on HP Support - lol
Many Thanks!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

I rarely use the HP support site to search for anything because most times it doesn't help.