Windows not able to activate on a brand new computer

[RafaelSC]

I received my new Hp computer yesterday. Today I got a weird message about windows not being activated.

I went to settings (as the legend asks) and found an error

"We can't activate Windows on this device because the product key was already used on another device. If you think it wasn't used on another device, select Troubleshoot below. Error code: 0xC004C008"

I tried the Troubleshoot but it only tells me "We weren't able to activate Windows on this device." and ask's me to buy a valid license.

(Screenshot below)

I have seen similar errors mentioned in the forum when hardware is changed... but as I mentioned before I just got this computer yesterday. The hardware hasn't changed and the windows is the one that was pre-installed. Only thing I did was the initial configuration and install chrome.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Other than returning the PC to the store, see if this works...

I have zipped up and attached a free utility below that will show you the product key in the PC's BIOS.

Go to the PC settings menu>activation>change product key and enter the W10 OEM key that the showkey plus utility provides.

[RafaelSC]

Thanks for the suggestion, but it didn't work.

After typing the license again I got the exact same error 😞

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

I would return the notebook because that shouldn't be happening.

[RafaelSC]

Just as a reference for future victims.... I talked with support, we tried everything from factory restore to restore from external device. nothing worked so I'll have to send it to them so they can fix it.

In theory it will take 2 days for them to send packaging material, 2 to fix it, and another 2 to send back... so if all goes right I should have it back in ~6 working days. Some good luck I may have a working computer just 2-3 weeks after I bought it... yay?