hp 15 8.1 activation error 0xc004c003 error

[pcpete]

We have had our first weird activation issue since doing 8.1 installs. We install using image installs with dism. Then we pull the msdn key from the mobo using a key finder. This works flawlessly(or has until now).

The first person I spoke with said it was a valid key and sent me to a different person. This second person said it was a default key and I need to contact hp. I will contact them Monday, but was curious if you all has any insight to another solution.

To be real clear, this is not a generic key that is on the web. IT IS WITHOUT DOUBT the MSDN key from the motherboard. It is not an 8.1 pro key either. Just for kicks, we tried doing an install of 8.1 pro on another computer using the key from this computer and it would not accept it for the install (because it was a home key like we expected)

 

[ohio_grad_06]

You sure you don't have a windows 8.0 system there that has a windows 8.0 key? Hate to have to do it this way, but try installing 8.0 to see if it activates and then if so do the upgrade from the store.

 

[pcpete]

You sure you don't have a windows 8.0 system there that has a windows 8.0 key? Hate to have to do it this way, but try installing 8.0 to see if it activates and then if so do the upgrade from the store.

For what's worth, based on the outside sticker, the computer came pre-installed with 8.1.

 

[Markverhyden]

If it's an HP (OEM) it's an argument with HP not M$. The OS software license agreement is between HP, the OEM, and the EU. You may need to get the recovery disks from HP. If it's still under warranty there should be no cost.

 

[pcpete]

If it's an HP (OEM) it's an argument with HP not M$. The OS software license agreement is between HP, the OEM, and the EU. You may need to get the recovery disks from HP. If it's still under warranty there should be no cost.

I understand the technicality of it and the buck stops at HP, but it still should not be happening. The key should activate either way. It is what it is. I just hope this is not a common occurrence.

 

[Markverhyden]

Just mentioned it as you were not clear about that in the OP. I did a quick look around and found this

This error indicates that the Key is blocked from activation.

Usually, it indicates that the Key is an OEM_SLP one operating on a retail install - and I suspect that this is the case here.

How did you obtain the ISO? If you do not have the OEM disks try what I posted here - https://www.technibble.com/forums/threads/updated-w8-x-install-keys.57601/#post-446496. I used it testing a wipe of a Gateway laptop and i was able to complete the install and activation. There are other threads on here similar to that.

 

[pcpete]

We use DISM image installs created with a standard oem disk(bought on amazon for $99). We have done several hundred windows 8 and 8.1 with this method since it has been released without issue. In fact this is the first time we have ever not had a Windows oem key activate on a nuke and pave since we started with XP over 10 years ago. I don't understand what is unique about this time. Hopefully it is just a weird fluke.

 

[Mainstay]

Several hundred installs of W8? That is a lot of N&P on what should be new systems. Are you experiencing that many virus ridden systems or are you just trying to clear the bloatware on these installs?

I understand, I am not contributing to answering your question, but just impressed with your throughput.

 

[bitznpcz]

Have you tried the Microsoft resolution here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978305

It could be a corrupt tokens.dat file?

 

[pcpete]

Several hundred installs of W8? That is a lot of N&P on what should be new systems. Are you experiencing that many virus ridden systems or are you just trying to clear the bloatware on these installs?

I understand, I am not contributing to answering your question, but just impressed with your throughput.

We probably do a much higher percentage of nuke and paves than most on this board. Almost all computers that are checked in first have a basic hardware diagnostic, ram and full hard drive surface test. Then we run a quick software audit along with a set of questions we ask the client: do you have important stuff on the computer?, what are the important things you use the computer for?, how do you check your email?, do you have saved favorites or bookmarks?. With this information, we will suggest either a nuke and pave with or without data or a manual cleaning or give them both options and let them choose.

For example if a client has a virus issue and they have no data or many programs installed and they say they only use it for the web, we may just recommend a nuke and pave. We feel this is a better fit in some situations. When this is done, they have a pristine system. For some clients, it is much better to do a manual cleaning, for example, they are old and may not do well with any change.

Since image installs are so quick and nuke and pave is a goog fit for many, we do tend to do a higher percentage of them than most techs on this board.

 

[pcpete]

Have you tried the Microsoft resolution here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978305

It could be a corrupt tokens.dat file?

We will take a look at that this morning

 

[NYJimbo]

When this is done, they have a pristine system.

Yes, until they get their next virus, which they will and then its nuke and pave time again ?

 

[pcpete]

HP is telling us they think it is a hardware issue. They are going to fix it. I guess that means the motherboard will be replaced/fixed. I am not confident in their assessment. I guess it is a start.

 

[pcpete]

We have an update. The issue seemed to be user(us) error. When we got the system back it was "8.1 with bing". That would account for the key not working with "8.1 home". We were not even aware of that sku. On a side note, where can we get that iso to make an image for it?

 

[Markverhyden]

The 8.1 with Bing is a version that M$ gives away to low end OEM's. Since they are not charging anything for the license they make something off of Bing through the searches. As you saw you cannot use the Bing key with the regular W8 ISO. Did you try using the key to download the ISO from this page - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

 

[bitznpcz]

If you Google:

X19-57134_SW_DVD9_NTRL_Win_with_Bing_8.1_32BIT_English_OEM
or
X19-57272_SW_DVD9_NTRL_Win_with_Bing_8.1_64BIT_English_OEM

...you might get lucky. I would test in a VM first depending where you download from...

The default Product Key is: 6NDQM-BTXH9-VWHD4-7Y2CR-BY36R

I'm surprised the EU haven't stopped this as being anti-competitive like they did with bundled IE a few years ago.

 

[pcpete]

We usually just buy most SKUs with the licence. We use the iso for reloads and manage to use the key. That is not an option for this one.

 

[altrenda]

If you Google:

X19-57134_SW_DVD9_NTRL_Win_with_Bing_8.1_32BIT_English_OEM
or
X19-57272_SW_DVD9_NTRL_Win_with_Bing_8.1_64BIT_English_OEM

...you might get lucky. I would test in a VM first depending where you download from...

The default Product Key is: 6NDQM-BTXH9-VWHD4-7Y2CR-BY36R

I'm surprised the EU haven't stopped this as being anti-competitive like they did with bundled IE a few years ago.

I like that giving things for free is against the law.

I don't think I would use anything I found by Googling those numbers on a client's computer. Nice selection of torrent and download sites, though.

MS has said they won't make 8.1 with Bing available for download. I guess the OP blew out the built in re install options with the Nuke and Pave.