Windows activation error

Question

Hi,

I have a laptop that came with Windows 8 installed as OEM. It was upgraded to Windows 10 a couple of years ago. Starting last week (I suspect after a Windows update), it is showing a "Activate Windows" message.

The Settings-Activation page shows error 0xC004F012.

Using the Troubleshooting link gives error "Something prevented us from communicating with our activation servers 0xc0020036"

I used a utility to get my OEM product key, and tried to use in Settings-Update & Security-Activation-Activate Windows Now-Change Product Key. I got error "The product key you entered didn't work 0xc0020036".

I have reset Windows twice, from Settings-Update & Security-Recovery-Reset this PC as well as Windows Security-Fresh Start. Nothing worked.

Please help!

-Anika

Answer 1

Thanks, Anika, the response is what I expected.

Now I require you to do two things - I don't have an immediate solution for you, however.

1. Contact Support and see if they have any tips for you or they issue you a new product key*.

Please use the contact us link here:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus

Type "talk to an agent" in the Virtual agent and choose Windows/ subcategory.

You would be presented with a link of options which are available for your country - call me back, Chat or call.

Additionally, country-wise phone numbers are given here:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/405170...

2. Log the Feedback in FBH and share the link with me:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/for...

If Support sorts it for you, please do let me know what they did as it would help a lot of people with the same problem.

*We are just volunteers here trying to help and do not have access to the accounts information.

Answer 2

Hi Sumit,

Thanks for the response.

The screenshot is attached below.

-Anika

Answer 3

Hi Anika,

I am Sumit, an Independent Advisor and a 3 year Windows Insider MVP here to help.

We have seen a number of reports on this lately.

To better diagnose the issue.

1. Right click Start>Command Prompt-Admin and type in the following command:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

You will get a window, take a screenshot using snipping tool and paste it it next reply.

How to get a screenshot and post back:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wik...

Please let us know if you need any assistance in posting.