Windows 10 isn't accepting activation code

[sethwilliam]

I had windows 7 installed, upgraded to windows 10, and then created a bootable USB with windows 10 on it.

Built a new computer, used the USB to install windows 10 and tried using my code from windows 7 (I was told that it would be associated with my windows 10 account now), and it doesn't work. Should I try calling Microsoft to see if they will activate it for me or what should I do?

I just dished out a lot of cash to build this new rig and was hoping I could get away with the free windows 10 since I owned windows 7 and was able to upgrade it and reserve my free upgrade.

 

[johnnyb105]

No sir you already used your windows 7 upgrade on the other system ... only 1 key per windows 7 8 or 8.1 may be used by july 28th of 2016 for a free upgrade .. Since you built a new system it wont be allowed to be used on it.. And your old copy of windows 7 will not work since the key has been used in your pervious build.. But that MS rules..

 

[sethwilliam]

No sir you already used your windows 7 upgrade on the other system ... only 1 key per windows 7 8 or 8.1 may be used by july 28th of 2016 for a free upgrade .. Since you built a new system it wont be allowed to be used on it.. And your old copy of windows 7 will not work since the key has been used in your pervious build.. But that MS rules..

Really, I did not know that. It's just that my old Windows 7 let me install it on up to I think it was 3 computers with activation on the same code, so I thought I could upgrade up to 3 computers to Windows 10. Guess that's not how it works then.

 

[USAFRet]

Unless you bought a package that was specifically licensed for 3 systems (Family Pack), no.

1 license, 1 PC.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

Did you have the Windows 7 upgrade family pack (3 user) ?

If so
Install Windows Vista or XP on the new PC then upgrade to Win 7
(ensure activated) then upgrade to Win 10

You can probably bypass the vista/XP install if you know how

If you have problems contact Microsoft Telephone activation

Provided you have no more than 3 PC's using the Win 7 family pack licence you should be OK

example of product
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Windows-Premium-Upgrade-Licence/dp/B002MT21N6

regards
Mike Barnes

 

[sethwilliam]

Hey guys so I figured out the problem. BTW yes, my windows 7 was a family pack, at least I think it was because I could install and activate it on multiple computers without problem. Anyways, I contacted Microsoft and they said to:

1. Make sure I was updated to the newest build (I wasn't, so I had windows update)
2. Log in to my Microsoft account.
3. Re-input my Windows 7 Key

I updated and attached my windows account thought the problem was still there, albeit the wording of the error changed stating that I didn't update from windows 7 (because I installed straight into windows 10 through the USB). After this I re-input my Key and it worked and I'm back 😀