Getting ERROR CODE: Ox80072f8f but, laptop displays correct time and zone

[danemer]

Time and zone is set correctly.

Display shows it is set correctly (after clean install Win 7).

The SYSTEM doesn't seem to recognize it.

Getting ERROR CODE: Ox80072f8f when I try to activate windows.

Browser doesn't work correctly, either...another "time not set correctly" msg.

What is going on???

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @danemer, Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the dates and time being improper!  
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I know how confusing this must be, your system shows the right time, but Windows still isn’t playing along. Let’s sort this out and get things running smoothly.

The 0x80072F8F error code usually indicates an issue with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates due to an incorrect date/time, missing updates, or a problem with TLS settings. Since you’ve confirmed that the time and date appear correct, let’s go deeper into troubleshooting.

Manually Sync Time with an Internet Time Server

Even if the time looks correct, try manually syncing it:

1. Open Control Panel > Date and Time.
2. Go to the Internet Time tab.
3. Click Change settings and check Synchronize with an Internet time server.
4. Select time.windows.com or time.nist.gov, then click Update now.
5. Restart your PC and try activating Windows again.

Check and Enable TLS 1.2 in Internet Settings

Since Windows 7 doesn’t support modern TLS by default, activation and browsers may not work properly.

1. Open Internet Explorer (even if it doesn’t work fully).
2. Click Settings (gear icon) > Internet Options.
3. Go to the Advanced tab.
4. Scroll down to Security, then:
   • Enable TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1, and TLS 1.2.
   • Disable SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0.
5. Click Apply > OK, then restart your PC.

Install Required Windows 7 Updates

Windows 7 activation servers require SHA-2 support, which wasn’t included in early versions.

1. Download and install the following Microsoft updates manually:
   • KB4490628 (Servicing Stack Update)
   • KB4474419 (SHA-2 Update)
2. Restart the system and try Windows activation again.

Reset Windows Activation & Try Again

If activation still fails, reset Windows activation and re-enter the key:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: slmgr /rearm
3. Restart your PC.
4. Open Control Panel > System > Activate Windows and re-enter the product key.

Check SSL Certificate Validation

If browsers still show a time-related error:

1. Open Internet Explorer and go to any HTTPS website (e.g., https://www.microsoft.com).
2. If you get a certificate error, click on it and check the expiration date.
3. If it's outdated, install Root Certificate Updates for Windows 7 from Microsoft.

Try Manual Phone Activation

If online activation still fails, try activating by phone:

1. Press Win + R, type slui 4, and press Enter.
2. Select your country and follow the phone activation process.

I hope the steps provided get things back on track. If you need any further assistance, feel free to reach out!

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @danemer, Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the dates and time being improper!  
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I know how confusing this must be, your system shows the right time, but Windows still isn’t playing along. Let’s sort this out and get things running smoothly.

The 0x80072F8F error code usually indicates an issue with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates due to an incorrect date/time, missing updates, or a problem with TLS settings. Since you’ve confirmed that the time and date appear correct, let’s go deeper into troubleshooting.

Manually Sync Time with an Internet Time Server

Even if the time looks correct, try manually syncing it:

1. Open Control Panel > Date and Time.
2. Go to the Internet Time tab.
3. Click Change settings and check Synchronize with an Internet time server.
4. Select time.windows.com or time.nist.gov, then click Update now.
5. Restart your PC and try activating Windows again.

Check and Enable TLS 1.2 in Internet Settings

Since Windows 7 doesn’t support modern TLS by default, activation and browsers may not work properly.

1. Open Internet Explorer (even if it doesn’t work fully).
2. Click Settings (gear icon) > Internet Options.
3. Go to the Advanced tab.
4. Scroll down to Security, then:
   • Enable TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1, and TLS 1.2.
   • Disable SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0.
5. Click Apply > OK, then restart your PC.

Install Required Windows 7 Updates

Windows 7 activation servers require SHA-2 support, which wasn’t included in early versions.

1. Download and install the following Microsoft updates manually:
   • KB4490628 (Servicing Stack Update)
   • KB4474419 (SHA-2 Update)
2. Restart the system and try Windows activation again.

 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Reset Windows Activation & Try Again

If activation still fails, reset Windows activation and re-enter the key:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: slmgr /rearm
3. Restart your PC.
4. Open Control Panel > System > Activate Windows and re-enter the product key.

Check SSL Certificate Validation

If browsers still show a time-related error:

1. Open Internet Explorer and go to any HTTPS website (e.g., https://www.microsoft.com).
2. If you get a certificate error, click on it and check the expiration date.
3. If it's outdated, install Root Certificate Updates for Windows 7 from Microsoft.

Try Manual Phone Activation

If online activation still fails, try activating by phone:

1. Press Win + R, type slui 4, and press Enter.
2. Select your country and follow the phone activation process.

I hope the steps provided get things back on track. If you need any further assistance, feel free to reach out!

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,