Product key help

[Garret433]

I just factory reset my computer because it wouldn't allow me to update or download games on steam because of this error and now it says I have to activate windows 8.1 but how do I get a my product key because before I factory reset my pc windows was activated

 

[vintence]

Contact the company in charge of your computer. where did you buy your computer? contact them and tell them this, they will probably give you another key. I bought my laptop and it comes already activated, and get the same problem like yours after I factory reset it, then I called the company I bought it from and they gave me a new key to activate window.

 

[adamscurr]

Your PC should have come with a Windows key. If you bought a premade PC, often it is on a little sticker somewhere on the computer.

Adam

 

[Garret433]

@adamscurr It is custom built so what would I do

 

[bignastyid]

Where did you put your key when you bought windows.

 

[USAFRet]

@adamscurr It is custom built so what would I do

When you originally installed the OS that you bought, what did you use?

 

[Garret433]

I do not know because I bought it off someone

 

[USAFRet]

I do not know because I bought it off someone

Well then....
1. You should have discovered the license key long before you did this factory reset.
2. You should have done a full wipe and reinstall of the OS as soon as you got this used system home.
3. The previous owner was 'required', per MS licensing, to give you the license key.

You have no idea if that original license was actually valid.

Your only recourse now is to call Microsoft and throw yourself on their mercy.
Or buy your own shiny new license key.