reinstall of windows 10 needs a software key

[Jaymex]

My P6-2371 ea was supplied with Windows 8 and then Updated to Windows 10. After a recent update my  PC would not boot and windows had to be reinstalled. I now need to find the software key.

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Hi

KeyFinderInstaller may help....
https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Doing research, and none of the methods are mine, I have some, simple single lines of code that will list the same value for your Windows 10 Product Key…
Two for Windows 10 and one for Linux.

W10 Using cmd.exe as an Administrator (copy and paste accordingly).

wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey >> c:\ProdKey.txt

Creates a text file called ProdKey.txt on your C:\ area.

Next is a PowerShell command, as Administrator...
(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey

but it will run within W10 using cmd.exe as an Administrator.
powershell (Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey

Last, but not least....
Linux@Lubuntu:~$ sudo cat /sys/firmware/acpi/tables/MSDM | strings | tail -n 1

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

[Jaymex]

The first method using the CMD line works and generates a key but the key was rejected by Microsoft.   

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Hi

So speak to Microsoft.

[TheOldMan]

Since this PC is an upgrade to Windows 10 from an earlier approved version, there is no need for the key.  Use the approved Windows 10 media to reinstall and when it asks for a key, check the "skip this step" and proceed.  When completed, the new install will activate once it connects to the internet. 

If you need the install media, see here:

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

With a working PC, scroll down to "Using the tool to create installation media" and follow the directions.  Then boot the problem PC to this media and install Windows 10.