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Unable to restore the Windows 10 digital license following a motherboard modification.

Unable to restore the Windows 10 digital license following a motherboard modification.

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Akrasia
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225
03-22-2016, 03:55 AM
#1
I just completed rebuilding my PC, swapping everything except the hard drive and GPU, and added another HDD. I ran a fresh Windows install on the new drive but when trying to activate with my MS account it refused. I also couldn’t boot Windows from the old drive, and the license key disappeared there too. I upgraded from Windows 7 to 10 around 2016, and since I bought the computer about nine years ago, I don’t have the original key. Support staff told me if I didn’t have the key, I’d need to purchase a new one. Any suggestions on resolving this?
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A
Akrasia
03-22-2016, 03:55 AM #1

I just completed rebuilding my PC, swapping everything except the hard drive and GPU, and added another HDD. I ran a fresh Windows install on the new drive but when trying to activate with my MS account it refused. I also couldn’t boot Windows from the old drive, and the license key disappeared there too. I upgraded from Windows 7 to 10 around 2016, and since I bought the computer about nine years ago, I don’t have the original key. Support staff told me if I didn’t have the key, I’d need to purchase a new one. Any suggestions on resolving this?

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daemon29
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67
03-29-2016, 03:23 AM
#2
It seems tied closely to that motherboard you mentioned. You might want to contact MS support for assistance, and they could guide you further. Checking your MS account may reveal more details about the lock.
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daemon29
03-29-2016, 03:23 AM #2

It seems tied closely to that motherboard you mentioned. You might want to contact MS support for assistance, and they could guide you further. Checking your MS account may reveal more details about the lock.

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IoandGamer
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03-30-2016, 10:44 PM
#3
The Windows license is kept on the motherboard, meaning altering it requires a fresh Windows installation.
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IoandGamer
03-30-2016, 10:44 PM #3

The Windows license is kept on the motherboard, meaning altering it requires a fresh Windows installation.

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Kazadrime
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03-31-2016, 12:28 AM
#4
I reached out multiple times, but they only asked for the key again. When I mentioned it’s been nine years since purchase, they told me I’d need to buy a replacement.
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Kazadrime
03-31-2016, 12:28 AM #4

I reached out multiple times, but they only asked for the key again. When I mentioned it’s been nine years since purchase, they told me I’d need to buy a replacement.

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lb23kh
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141
03-31-2016, 02:44 AM
#5
I once had a retail version that I upgraded to Windows 10 in 2016, then connected it to my account and it turned into a digital license that I could share. Now it won’t work, and the support team insists I must have a key to reactivate or purchase a new one. If this is really the case, I’ll either steal it or buy a cheap key from eBay.
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lb23kh
03-31-2016, 02:44 AM #5

I once had a retail version that I upgraded to Windows 10 in 2016, then connected it to my account and it turned into a digital license that I could share. Now it won’t work, and the support team insists I must have a key to reactivate or purchase a new one. If this is really the case, I’ll either steal it or buy a cheap key from eBay.

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Streiyn
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04-05-2016, 10:46 PM
#6
The free upgrade from Win7 to Win10 applies only to the original device you activated it on during setup. It cannot be used on a different computer, especially if you change hardware like a motherboard. The Digital Entitlement License functions identically to an OEM key, meaning your original Win7 license stays valid as a retail product.
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Streiyn
04-05-2016, 10:46 PM #6

The free upgrade from Win7 to Win10 applies only to the original device you activated it on during setup. It cannot be used on a different computer, especially if you change hardware like a motherboard. The Digital Entitlement License functions identically to an OEM key, meaning your original Win7 license stays valid as a retail product.

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IcemanLFC
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175
04-06-2016, 12:09 AM
#7
You're asking about the licensing details. It seems the earlier retail license you had is considered equivalent, which lets you make major hardware changes like swapping a motherboard. I encountered this issue around a year ago and did some research before buying a retail key to avoid it. The fact that the original poster mentioned Microsoft Support requested his Windows 7 retail key suggests my point is valid, though he can't provide it. Also, note I recently purchased another retail license for Windows 10 Pro from LVOGO.com with coupon PTL20 for $16.13.
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IcemanLFC
04-06-2016, 12:09 AM #7

You're asking about the licensing details. It seems the earlier retail license you had is considered equivalent, which lets you make major hardware changes like swapping a motherboard. I encountered this issue around a year ago and did some research before buying a retail key to avoid it. The fact that the original poster mentioned Microsoft Support requested his Windows 7 retail key suggests my point is valid, though he can't provide it. Also, note I recently purchased another retail license for Windows 10 Pro from LVOGO.com with coupon PTL20 for $16.13.

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