Windows 8 product key is denied

[sywil]

hi, I have an HP ENVY dv6-7200 computer. I replaced the hard drive with the new one recently because it was not working anymore. I have windows 8 product key but I can't find windows 8 iso file anywhere. So I downloaded the windows 8.1 iso from Microsoft web site. But my windows 8 product key is not working on the installation of windows 8.1. I tried the generic keys on installation, I thought that maybe I can activate later with my original windows 8 key. I managed to install the windows 8.1 but when I want to activate it my original windows 8 product key was denied. I don't want to purchase a new product. What should I do?

[banhien]

@sywil 

Please use the following tool to see what is the key now

       https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Windows 8 key should work with windows 8.1

Regards.

[sywil]

[edit] Which my original windows 8 product key is different.  And also I have an error code : 0xC004C003 because of the current key.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @sywil 

Run the free utility that I zipped up and attached below, and let me know the version of W8 the product key is good for.

Do not post the key, just the report of the version of Windows, and I will give you the info you need to install and activate W8.1 using the W8 product key in your notebook's BIOS.

The report should look something like this...

OEM Edition: Win 8.1 RTM Professional OEM:DM

Yours will probably be Win 8 RTM, and it may be single language.

[sywil]

I have this report;

Product Name : Windows 8.1 Pro

Version : 9600.19728 (64-bit OS)

OEM Edition : Win 8 RTM CoreSingleLanguage OEM:DM

 But my original key is Windows 8 Pro, all I know. I don't know what edition it has?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Unfortunately, I can't help you with the W8 Pro key that you have.

You will have to take that up with Microsoft on how to upgrade to W8.1 Pro using your W8 Pro product key.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus/

Your PC came from HP with W8 'Standard' Single Language.

Here is what you can do to activate the OEM Edition : Win 8 RTM CoreSingleLanguage OEM:DM version of Windows the key is good for.

Install W8.1 by creating the Microsoft installation media, using another Windows PC, if yours is not working...You want the W8.1 Single Language 64 bit ISO file.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, use this generic key.

This is the generic key for W8.1 Single Language:

Y9NXP-XT8MV-PT9TG-97CT3-9D6TC

When you get to the screen that asks 'Where do you want to install Windows,' delete every partition on the hard drive, leaving just one partition of unallocated space. Click Next, and W8.1 should begin to install.

If you had to enter the generic key, manually change the generic product key to the W8 key in your PC's BIOS in the PC settings menu.

After you get W8.1 installed, and you had to manually enter the W8.1 generic product key, you will need to run the free utility I zipped up and attached yesterday, that will show you show the W8 product key in your PC's BIOS.

I have also zipped up and attached below, the Microsoft tool which hopefully will transfer the ISO file to a DVD or USB flash drive so it is bootable, or you can use a free utility such as Rufus.

Then you can install the available drivers and software from your PC's support page.

[sywil]

Hi,

I didn't have a chance to do what you write in the previous message. My screen shuted down and when I press the power button only the 'Caps Lock' button led is up twice. I searched it at HP support, what it writes is the BIOS error. I followed the instructions for BIOS recovery but it didn't work. The link is below;

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02693833

My problem is getting more complicated I guess!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Yes, your problem is getting more complicated indeed, and unfortunately, I have no idea what you need to do to get the PC to start up again.

[sywil]

I found the solution when I searching on the internet. I guess I moved the BIOS battery when I try to check the memories. I put off the battery wire and then put back carefully. My computer is working again. 

But the Windows activation problem is still going on. Tomorrow I will try to do the instructions that you mentioned in the previous message.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

That is great news.

Yes, once you have W8.1 SL installed and activated using my instructions, you can tackle how to upgrade to W8.1 Pro.