Solved Windows 8.1 Activation Error: 0xC004C003

gahbmwm5

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Hi Gang:

Man this is quite a frustrating experience...I had Windows 8 Pro with Media Center installed on my Asus K55A laptop and it was 'activated'....no problems! So I decided to install the 8.1 Preview via the Windows Store...installation went fine. However when exploring, I noticed that it was not activated: So I entered in the the product key for my Windows 8 pro information....even purchased a Windows 8 Pro media DVD....have a copy of the email with the purchase price...bla, bla.....
So I enter in the Product Key that worked successfully with Windows 8 Pro: Received this nice message...lol

Error Code: 0xC004C003
Error Description: The Activation server determined the specified product key has been blocked

A note that also stated, You need to enter in the product key on the back of Windows 8 box, or the product key that came in the email that you received when you purchased the DVD....I have a copy of the email that I received with the purchased Windows 8 DVD.....there is NO product key listed at all!
Now I can not even attempt to customize Windows 8.1 preview, because it is not activated.....

I am quite frustrated to say the least, and even attempted to install (clean) back to Windows 8 Pro with my purchased DVD....when I entered the same product key that was successful (only 3-4 days) ago....the installation process stalled!

So I stuck in a Windows 7 disc.....and at least the system rebooted back into Windows 8.1 Preview....but still no dam activation...I guess my only alternative is to contact Microsoft support...
If you'll have any suggestions.....would be greatly appreciated!
Hell my Windows 8 Pro with Media Center was running beautifully and was fully activated only 2 hrs ago...

Here is a pic:

Thanks..

How to fix 0xC004C003 Error? (Wiki)

What is 0xC004C003 error?

The 0xC004C003 error is the Hexadecimal format of the error caused. This is common error code format used by windows and other windows compatible software and driver vendors.
This code is used by the vendor to identify the error caused. This 0xC004C003 error code has a numeric error number and a technical description. In some cases the error may have more parameters in 0xC004C003 format .This additional hexadecimal code are the address of the memory locations where the instruction(s) was loaded at the time of the error.

How To Fix 0xC004C003 Error?

Will keep my fingers crossed (probably staying up tonight....and give this a go....nice!

Hmmm....the dam wiki repair tool was a ad...basically the app wanted $29.99 to regisiter after scanning to fix the errors...

Found this:

Error message when you try to activate Windows 7 or Windows Vista: "An error has occurred"

Error codeDescription
0xC004C003The activation server determined the specified product key is in use.


Yikes...I'm completely stuck...
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Media Center X 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K55A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3rd Generation
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 (WXGA)
This error indicates that the Key is blocked from activation.

Usually, it indicates that the Key is an OEM_SLP one operating on a retail install - and I suspect that this is the case here.
How did you install the Preview? - using what media?

There's also the possibility that it simply needs telephone activation.

telephone activation (operator calls)
Click on the Start button
in the Search box, type
SLUI 4
and hit the Enter key
follow the instructions, but when asked which service you require by the telephone ansafone, do NOT reply - this should force an operator to respond, who can deal with you
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 64-bit and Win8 32-bit in VM (+ others in VM)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K52F
    CPU
    i3
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    it's an i3 :)
    Sound Card
    Conexant (rubbish - or it may be the speakers)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Internet Speed
    whatever I can get - G3
Hi Noel,

Thanks m8, as I installed the Win 8.1 Preview from the Windows Store after going to the Windows 8.1 Preview page (it does not seem to be up now) replaced by the Windows .iso installation page: Hit Download, to install KB 2849636...rebooted and then Widows Store pop-up directed me to the install...curious enough I see this as you can view in the above screenshot #1

Windows 8.1 Pro Preview with Media Center
Evaluation copy. Build 9431----->lower right hand corner of desktop....and after thoroughly reviewing a ton of Brink's great tutorial...this should not be there when installing through the Windows Store...
Will try the tele-automated method....keep my fingers crossed and report back...

Download Windows 8.1 Preview - Microsoft Windows

Google Chrome brings me here....where I D/L and installed....where as IE takes me here:

Download Windows 8.1 Preview - Microsoft Windows
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Media Center X 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K55A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3rd Generation
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 (WXGA)
If you are using this key... even phone activation would not help...

Best to use a new genuine key..
 

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
Interesting as I called the SLUI 4 # (United States)....the automated MS Activation comes on....you must say yes....read the huge string of numbers....error....so I will just have to wait a couple of hrs then call MS Customer Service...

Hi Superfly,

No my product key is different then the above posted...but thanks m8.
What is so weird is that in the Win 8.1 Preview FAQ:

Do I need a product key to install Windows 8.1 Preview?

[FONT=WOL_Reg]If you install Windows 8.1 Preview through the Windows Store, you don't need a product key. If you download the ISO, you'll need to enter this product key: NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F.[/FONT]
[FONT=WOL_Reg]Additionally, you'll also need your Windows 8 product key when you update to the final edition of Windows 8.1 from the preview.



*******************************************************************************************************************

[EDIT/]


Ok...was able to get a live person on the SLUI 4 line........and he asked if I had any service done recently to this new laptop.....so I opened my box and now recall........the Geek Squad...gave me back paper work....but there was no description....very vague of the work they did mentioned above...only a part....

Moe then likely if they did indeed have to replace the HD or even motherboard.....then this would definitely produce this error....so he gave me the MS Tech Support # and operating hrs......he has seen this happen a lot........they should be able to fix me up...will report back...thanks guys, will sleep a little better tonight! lol[/FONT]

 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Media Center X 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K55A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3rd Generation
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 (WXGA)
WOW...first off apologies for the double-post, but man I have to relate my last 24 hrs......with this dam Beta preview) OS....lol
So after attempting to activate over the phone which failed...but it was a good try...and I learned...I then tried to reinstall back to Win 8 Pro...(which I have ton successfully at least three times...) Did my typical advance install boot from retail Window 8 Pro DVD, first screen came up....Country, language----->hit next which is the 'product key' section....inputted the 25 digit code....enter.....nothing!
After 10 minutes of spinning curser......pop-up key not recognized! I gave up for the evening with a huge head ache....lol

Knowing that MS Tech Support Div opens at 5:00am.....I made that call to them @5:01am....1st Tech support guy did all he could...after he informed me that my Product Key was a retail key...and should work perfectly....They have Activation # records on all keys....so he was perplexed...We then did a 'custom install' attempt placing the retail DVD into the laptop while running opening up the DVD/CD folder.....the installation started and the 'Product Key' was accepted...he stated....'Alright neat....it will take 1hr or so for the process to complete, so I will call you back in 1 hr 15 min.....you should be all set '

The installation get @ 41%...curser starts to spin in a erratic fashion.....I'm thinkin' oh dam.....pop-up: Windows 8 has failed to install:

So I call again...get one of this gents co-workers ...............we are on the phone for 45 min....we hang up...........2nd exact time @41% same exact pop-up...nice huh...btw I was informed typically there is 99$ charge for this kind of support but that was waived because of the 'very strange' Product key issue...lol

I'm a trouper...and call a third time.....this gent and moi then spent @2 1/2 hrs on the phone trying everything.....finally we tried Win 8 .iso file I made while on the phone....to perform a clean install when it got to the section of which disc would you like to put Windows on.......Both C: and D:......showed that they could NOT have the OS file put on the spinners......bla....bla....
He stated that he was getting a lot of these types of issues with Win 8 re-installs...and that MS engineers.....are very aware of it...:confused:
He then elevated my case to Level 2 Research Div.......and I have a phone appointment Wed.......very nice....

Thanks for listening......but I have had Windows since Win98.....and have never had these types of issues before...Oh well, got to luv it....lol
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Media Center X 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K55A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3rd Generation
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 (WXGA)
Oh boy! You got fun :(
At least you're getting the right help now - first level support is strictly off a script, from guys who often know less than the client. 2nd level they have the freedom and knowledge to actually do stuff :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 64-bit and Win8 32-bit in VM (+ others in VM)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K52F
    CPU
    i3
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    it's an i3 :)
    Sound Card
    Conexant (rubbish - or it may be the speakers)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Internet Speed
    whatever I can get - G3
Oh boy! You got fun :(
At least you're getting the right help now - first level support is strictly off a script, from guys who often know less than the client. 2nd level they have the freedom and knowledge to actually do stuff :)

Hey NoelDP,

Yes indeed...last night I was doing more research online in regard to both my issues....the HD locking up when attempting to clean install and the activation issues...so I decided to give it another shot, started the installation (crossed my fingers....lol) when it got to around 41%, and it successfully completed...so I held my breath, when it was time to format Win 8 Pro w/Media Center...disc were again locked....stuck in a Win 7 DVD...viola...C: unlocked.....and the installation was successful...lol!

The activation issue was next...what I found out through MS Level 2 support (she was thrilled that I had successfully installed the Win 8 Pro installation....as the notes in the Case File were rather long....LOL I had a Win 8 Pro Product Key....and also a separate Media Center Key...(remember this worked successfully for me before...) I would first install Win 8 Pro, then proceed to Add Features to Windows 8...through the Microsoft store with the Media Center key.....I never had an issue.....however apparently the Activation Servers.....now are highly tweaked....and they picked up my Media Center key as thinking it was the Win 8 Pro key....thus all the activation errors....

Bottom line after 2-3 days of mild frustration........hrs of time...........it was worth it....a new Product Key and absolutely not 1 penny out of my pocket...lol Now I'm ready for 8.1 RTM on Oct. 17th.:cool:
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Media Center X 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K55A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3rd Generation
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 (WXGA)
Well Done! - persistence pays off :)


Good luck with it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 64-bit and Win8 32-bit in VM (+ others in VM)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K52F
    CPU
    i3
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    it's an i3 :)
    Sound Card
    Conexant (rubbish - or it may be the speakers)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Internet Speed
    whatever I can get - G3
I'm a happy camper, thanks m8! ;)

You know after thoroughly reviewing a ton of threads on this, I was under the impression that if you have the 8.1 Preview installed that when the final edition comes out this Oct. 18th, that you would have to first do a clean install of Win 8, then you could upgrade to final Win 8.1...this apparently is not like updating through Windows Update like a service pack.

However, reviewing the Windows Blog:

moderate
Will I be able to upgrade from the Preview?


· Brandon LeBlanc 2290 Posts

August 14, 2013
moderate
madthoughts and khvn - you will be able tomove from the Windows 8.1 Preview to the final release of Windows 8.1: you'llbe able to keep your personal files, but you'll need to reinstall your apps. Irecommend checking out our FAQ on the Windows 8.1 Preview here windows.microsoft.com/.../preview-faq

http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/08/14/mark-your-calendars-for-windows-8-1.aspx


So hell, now that my activation issues are solved....lol, I might just install Win 8.1 Preview again!!! It is stable, and I just enjoy foolin' around with the new features, ect...lol
:cool::thumb::D

Do I need a product key to install Windows 8.1 Preview? If you install Windows 8.1 Preview through the Windows Store, you don't need a product key. If you download the ISO, you'll need to enter this product key: NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F.
Additionally, you'll also need your Windows 8 product key when you update to the final edition of Windows 8.1 from the preview.

Ok....differences mentioned here....man I reviewed this but it just 'did not stick to my aging mind'....LOL


  • If upgrading from Windows 8.1 Preview/Windows RT 8.1 Preview to Windows 8.1 final/Windows 8.1 RT final (when released later this year), you will "Keep personal files only", but will lose your settings and have to reinstall all of your apps.



  • If upgrading from Windows 8/Windows RT to Windows 8.1 final/Windows RT 8.1 final (when released later this year), you will not lose anything. All your files, settings, and apps will carry over unless you are installing Windows 8.1 final in a language that's different from the language currently on your PC.




 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Media Center X 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K55A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3rd Generation
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 (WXGA)
Before I go making major changes to my main machine like trying the pre-release, I make a clone "not image" of the system on a physically separate HD. It has saved me so many times. When 8.1 release comes out, I will make that clone just in case something does not go right.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Px64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 955 3.2 Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-MA790x-DUP
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VW2464 & Syncmaster 2243SW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 X2
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 830, Maxtor 150GB
    PSU
    Corsair TX750W-v2
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    2 Side mounted 120MM
    Keyboard
    Logitec MK EX110 Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitec EX110 Wireless
    Internet Speed
    17/1.5 MB
    Browser
    IE, FF, and Pale Moon
    Antivirus
    MSE and Avast
    Other Info
    Cisco E4200, 8 Port Trendnet switch, Webcam Pro 9000
Very Frustrating two years later and I am getting the same error I have no idea how it happend!?! I did not intend to upgrade anything to my system or any free preview for anything because I know this is the crap they pull. but I am getting this error:

Error code: 0xC004C003

and its 8.9.2015!!!!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1?
Hello,
I have also error in the Product Key of my windows 8.1. what if we cannot reboot the OS of my laptop there is another way to solved the issue?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
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