Solved Hard Drive failed.

[90mustang]

So, I just bought Windows 8 Pro less than two weeks ago and my hard drive failed. So I had to install Windows 8 on one of my other drives but now I can't activate it with the same code.

 

[fireberd]

Microsoft normally does not consider a hard drive change as a "system change" like they would for some other hardware such as a motherboard. Are you positive you are entering the correct product key?

You may have to contact Microsoft to get it activated. I had to do that with Windows 7 on a motherboard change (exact replacement for a failed motherboard).

 

[90mustang]

When I punch in the key it says "Your product key works! Continue when you are ready." But when I push Activate it gives me error code 0xC004F061 "The Software Licensing Service determined that this specified product key can only be used for upgrading, not for clean installations."

 

[fireberd]

In that case you probably will have to reinstall the old OS (at least the basic OS, not everything) then install the Upgrade version.

 

[90mustang]

Dang. I was worried about that. I can't seem to find where I put my Windows 7 disk or that activation key. hmmm...

 

[fireberd]

If you can find the product key you can download Win 7, burn it to a DVD and install from that.

Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO Image Downloads

 

[machare]

After the installation completes, leave the install media in the PC and select:

Charm bar, settings, Change PC Settings, General, Refresh..-Get Started

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/13375-clean-install-windows-8-upgrade.html

and then wait patiently

 

[90mustang]

I still haven't been able to find my old copy of Windows 7 or the Key. I DID however find my copy of XP and its Key. But I make it all the way through the setup to where it says Starting Windows and I get a BSOD. It's happened 5 times.

 

[Brink]

Hello 90mustang, and welcome to Eight Forums.

Are you doing a clean install with your Windows 8 upgrade like in the tutorial in machare's post above?

 

[90mustang]

Yes, I missed his post. I did a Refresh and it is now activated. Thanks so much guys.

 

[Brink]

Great news.