Can't activate Windows 8.1 due to product key issue

Hello, having this issue myself.

Specify from whom the Windows 8 media and what type of key was purchased?
OutletPC.com, OEM.

Has any piracy software been installed and removed – including Watermark removers?
No.

Please provide a short description of how and when the issue you are experiencing evolved.
Some hours after installing Windows on a PC I built myself, and after it accepted the key on the package during installation, I began receiving alerts to activate Windows. I attempted to do so, and get errors that it cannot activate. The link for error details gave me a blank box.

Here's my readouts:

Diagnostic Report
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->
ToolVersion: 6.3.9600.16384
LicensingStatus: Unlicenced
LicensingStatusReason: 0xC004F014
LocalGenuineState: Invalid license
LocalGenuineResultP: 0
LastOnlineGenuineResult:
GraceTimeMinutes: 0
TotalGraceDays: 0
ValidityExpiration:
ActivePartialProductKey: W8D2H
ActiveProductKeyPid2: 00258-90782-35858-AAOEM
OSVersion: 6.3.9600.2.00010300.0.0.101
ProductName: Windows 8.1
ProcessorArchitecture: x64
EditionId: Core
BuildLab: 9600.winblue_r4.141028-1500
TimeZone: Central Standard Time(GMT-05:00)
ActiveSkuId:
ActiveSkuDescription:
ProductUniquenessGroups:
ActiveProductKeyPKeyId:
ActiveProductKeyPidEx: 00000-02589-078-235858-02-1033-9200.0000-0802015
ActiveProductKeyChannel: OEM:NONSLP
ActiveVolumeCustomerPid:
OfflineInstallationId:
DomainJoined: false
ComputerSid: S-1-5-21-1487523576-3709945099-2267269834
ProductLCID: 1033
UserLCID: 1033
SystemLCID: 1033
CodeSigning: SIGNED_INFO_PRS_SIGNED
ServiceAvailable: false
OemMarkerVersion:
OemId:
OemTableId:
Manufacturer: To Be Filled By O.E.M.
Model: To Be Filled By O.E.M.
InstallDate: 20150321203238.000000-300

Health Check Data-->
Result: PASS
TamperedItems:

Genuine Authorization Data-->
ServerProps: 0x8007041d


Activation Diagnostic Tool for Windows 8.x
Created by Superfly for EightForums

Microsoft (R) Windows Script Host Version 5.8
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Error: 0x8007041D On a computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition, run 'slui.exe 0x2a 0x8007041D' to display the error text.

************** Errors from Event Log *************

Message: License Activation (slui.exe) failed with the following error code:
hr=0xC004E028
Command-line arguments:
RuleId=31e71c49-8da7-4a2f-ad92-45d98a1c79ba;Action=AutoActivate;AppId=55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f;SkuId=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3;NotificationInterval=1440;Trigger=NetworkAvailable
Time Written: 20150322015032.000000-000

Message: License Activation (slui.exe) failed with the following error code:
hr=0x80072EE7
Command-line arguments:
RuleId=31e71c49-8da7-4a2f-ad92-45d98a1c79ba;Action=AutoActivate;AppId=55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f;SkuId=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3;NotificationInterval=1440;Trigger=NetworkAvailable
Time Written: 20150322014936.000000-000

Message: Acquisition of End User License failed. hr=0x80072EE7
Sku Id=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3
Time Written: 20150322014936.000000-000

Message: License acquisition failure details.
hr=0x80072EE7
Time Written: 20150322014936.000000-000

Message: Acquisition of End User License failed. hr=0x80072EE7
Sku Id=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3
Time Written: 20150322014936.000000-000

Message: License acquisition failure details.
hr=0x80072EE7
Time Written: 20150322014936.000000-000

Message: License Activation (slui.exe) failed with the following error code:
hr=0x80072EE7
Command-line arguments:
RuleId=31e71c49-8da7-4a2f-ad92-45d98a1c79ba;Action=AutoActivate;AppId=55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f;SkuId=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3;NotificationInterval=1440;Trigger=NetworkAvailable
Time Written: 20150322014830.000000-000

Message: Acquisition of End User License failed. hr=0x80072EE7
Sku Id=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3
Time Written: 20150322014830.000000-000

Message: License acquisition failure details.
hr=0x80072EE7
Time Written: 20150322014830.000000-000

Message: Acquisition of End User License failed. hr=0x80072EE7
Sku Id=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3
Time Written: 20150322014830.000000-000

Message: License acquisition failure details.
hr=0x80072EE7
Time Written: 20150322014830.000000-000

Message: License Activation (slui.exe) failed with the following error code:
hr=0x80072EE7
Command-line arguments:
RuleId=31e71c49-8da7-4a2f-ad92-45d98a1c79ba;Action=AutoActivate;AppId=55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f;SkuId=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3;NotificationInterval=1440;Trigger=NetworkAvailable
Time Written: 20150322013742.000000-000

Message: Acquisition of End User License failed. hr=0x80072EE7
Sku Id=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3
Time Written: 20150322013742.000000-000

Message: License acquisition failure details.
hr=0x80072EE7
Time Written: 20150322013742.000000-000

Message: Acquisition of End User License failed. hr=0x80072EE7
Sku Id=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3
Time Written: 20150322013742.000000-000

Message: License acquisition failure details.
hr=0x80072EE7
Time Written: 20150322013742.000000-000

Message: License Activation (slui.exe) failed with the following error code:
hr=0x80072EE7
Command-line arguments:
RuleId=31e71c49-8da7-4a2f-ad92-45d98a1c79ba;Action=AutoActivate;AppId=55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f;SkuId=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3;NotificationInterval=1440;Trigger=NetworkAvailable
Time Written: 20150322013635.000000-000

Message: Acquisition of End User License failed. hr=0x80072EE7
Sku Id=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3
Time Written: 20150322013635.000000-000

Message: License acquisition failure details.
hr=0x80072EE7
Time Written: 20150322013635.000000-000

Message: Acquisition of End User License failed. hr=0x80072EE7
Sku Id=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3
Time Written: 20150322013635.000000-000

Message: License acquisition failure details.
hr=0x80072EE7
Time Written: 20150322013635.000000-000

Message: License Activation (slui.exe) failed with the following error code:
hr=0x80072EE7
Command-line arguments:
RuleId=31e71c49-8da7-4a2f-ad92-45d98a1c79ba;Action=AutoActivate;AppId=55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f;SkuId=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3;NotificationInterval=1440;Trigger=UserLogon;SessionId=1
Time Written: 20150322013243.000000-000

Message: Acquisition of End User License failed. hr=0x80072EE7
Sku Id=b080aea2-e6c5-4b22-838e-fa4a21c931e3
Time Written: 20150322013243.000000-000

Message: License acquisition failure details.
hr=0x80072EE7
Time Written: 20150322013243.000000-000

I also ran the error in the first readout through that command in the sticky thread, and got this: The Software Licensing Service reported that the product key is not available.

I've called Microsoft about it, and confirmed with at least 3 agents that my key is valid. They've advised me to run repair from the install disc, but thought I'd run it by folks here first.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
For some reason, your PC is unable to contact the activation server.

You could try a manual activation by running command prompt as admin and typing:

slmgr.vbs /ato

(note the space. Also make sure you have an internet connection without AV interferance)

PS: Make sure SPP can be started under the correct credentials before running that command.

SPP.PNG
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives
Tried it with both wifi and ethernet, and that gives me an error: Error 0x8007041D On a computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition, run 'slui.exe 0x2a 0x8007041D' to display the error text.

Putting that into a command prompt gives me the following:
Code:
0x8007041D

Description:
The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion.


Rather frustrating to say the least.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
According to your report "ServiceAvailable: false" means it can't be started... points to corrupted permissions on the licencing components - there are no corrupt (tampered) files as such thus sfc / scannow and Dism /restorehealth is unlikely to work.

A refresh from WinPE (booted from USB) is the only way to fix this, unfortunately.
NB permissions repair from within Windows won't work.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives
I have a Toshiba Satellite P55t A5202 which the sticker on it says Windows 8.1. It was bought from Best Buy Jan 2014.
It was loaded with virus so I ordered media from best buy for this specific machine to recover it and it came as Windows 8.
Tried to activate and it says invalid key. Calling Microsoft they say machine should have 8 not 8.1 even though label says 8.1 and that since its OEM they can't help and I need to contact Toshiba.
Toshiba says its out of warranty and need to replace motherboard for $252 to because the old motherboard is no longer supported.
Seems really stupid there is no way to re install OS on 15 month old laptop.
running ShowKey1.1 says OEM key not found but gives me installed key but that is same as key shown phone activation screen.
I also ran the ShowKey1.1 on a Dell Inspiron laptop with 8 which is working fine and activated and it also said OEM key not found.
Any ideas on how to get the Satellite working besides buying a new copy of 8.1
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
Thanks. Tried that. It worked better and gave me an oem key but then the next line read Invalid input!!!! in your program even though I didn't input anything.
Entering the key into the activation screen says we couldn't verify this key so try a different one. it says this immediately after entering last character of key.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
Thanks. Tried that. It worked better and gave me an oem key but then the next line read Invalid input!!!! in your program even though I didn't input anything.
Entering the key into the activation screen says we couldn't verify this key so try a different one. it says this immediately after entering last character of key.

Hi Ed, it's very unusual that an OEM key should produce an invalid result... If you'd like you can PM me the backup file from ShowKey to check your key. I will keep it confidential obviously.

(PS: Showkey1.1 vbs has had 3 revisions since - and is deprecated - ShowKeyPlus.exe is current)
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives
I am guessing it is invalid because the version on the laptop label says 8.1 but the version on the media is 8.
I am making the 8.1 media from the link you gave and will try that on a different hard disk but that is obviously not going to have all the toshiba drivers and utilitues.
I will pm you the backup file.
Thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
OK, good luck..

@KYHI, I have renamed it to ShowKeyPlus to diffrentiate it from the old vbs scripts - please see here.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives
Evening Superfly. Just re-visiting my issue (Thanks again btw for your support). I'm being a total noob here but If I purchase another Key and enter that one it should work right? It will just activate my current windows? Really don't want to have to do a fresh install....

Thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX-8350
    Memory
    8Gb Corsair Extreme
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 660 Ti
    Screen Resolution
    1900 x 1200
    Internet Speed
    79 Up 15 Down
Evening Superfly. Just re-visiting my issue (Thanks again btw for your support). I'm being a total noob here but If I purchase another Key and enter that one it should work right? It will just activate my current windows? Really don't want to have to do a fresh install....

Thanks

Hi Jutt, yes as long as the key matches the version that's installed, it will be fine.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives
Lovely. Cheers fella.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX-8350
    Memory
    8Gb Corsair Extreme
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 660 Ti
    Screen Resolution
    1900 x 1200
    Internet Speed
    79 Up 15 Down
Bummer... I created .... I'll delete it later.

Edit: OK got it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 3.1 > Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8700
    CPU
    I7
    Memory
    24 GB

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives
Superfly I am not sure how to send a PM the key info to you. I see no option to send a private message.
Ed

OK Ed, You are good to go:

Key Status : Valid
PID : 00258-61210-40785-AAOEM
Product Description : Win 8.1 RTM Core OEM:DM
Edition ID : Core

I'll run it through SkowKeyPlus as well to test in debug environment.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives
Means you can install Windows 8.1 from the link KHYI gave you and it will activate automatically.

I ran your key on my machine and it checks out with ShowKeyPlus as well... must have been your licence files were corrupted.

Ed.PNG

The installed version/key is obviously mine but the OEM's are yours...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives
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