35 digit activation code?

Question

I am upgrading a Dell GX520 from XP to 8.1 on the way to 10 with the current free upgrade offer.  Microsoft gave me a product key when I downloaded the 8.1 upgrade but it is 35 digits long, 7 sets of 6 digits each.  The activation window is looking for sets of 5 alphanumerics.  So I can't activate 8.1 and won't even start the upgrade to 10.

Is there a solution for this without buying a product key for 8.1?

Answer 1

Have you even checked this system is capable of running Windows 10. The last OS that drivers were issued was XP and the latest BIOS is dated 2006

The only time 6 digit activation blocks are used is during telephone activation, are nine blocks not seven and can only be used at the time of activation.

Answer 2

What do you mean "Microsoft gave me a product key when I downloaded the 8.1 upgrade"?

Where did you buy Windows 8.1?

How did you receive the Product Key?

Answer 3

I am upgrading a Dell GX520 from XP to 8.1 on the way to 10 with the current free upgrade offer.  Microsoft gave me a product key when I downloaded the 8.1 upgrade but it is 35 digits long, 7 sets of 6 digits each.  The activation window is looking for sets of 5 alphanumerics.  So I can't activate 8.1 and won't even start the upgrade to 10.

Is there a solution for this without buying a product key for 8.1?

Hi,

You say it is 35 digits.

7 X 6 is 42.

Product Key is 25 divided into 5 groups of 5 digits.

Microsoft does not "give " you a Product Key, you have to buy it.

There is no free upgrade from XP to 7, 8.1 or 10.

Cheers.