Windows 7 Activation Error 0xC004E003

Question

Sony Vaio Hard Drive failed, bought a new ssd hard drive for computer. Used a borrowed Windows 7 Home Edition SP1. Did a fresh install. Tried to use the product under the laptop. (Invalid product key) Then downloaded ProduKey v1.93 to get the product key from the failed hard drive. Tried that product key. (Product already in use) Bought a product key not from Ebay and that product key was blocked my Microsoft. Contact the place I got the product key and they gave me another key, that was also blocked my Microsoft. I erased the ssd hard drive and did another install from a windows 7 installation DVD. So, I need some assistance with activating my Windows 7. Please don't tell me to upgrade, not interested in Windows 10 and I couldn't afford to do an upgrade.

**update 11/27/2018 - Windows 7 is a fresh install on a new SSD hard drive ... there is no recovery options, the old hard drive is corrupted and can't get anything off of it. I do not have any problems with my OS or anything, just can't seem to get my Windows 7 activated.

I have tried to activate by phone, talked to an actual person and was told to buy a new windows product key. I did buy a windows 7 home premiun product keys from two place that work with Microsoft and both keys are considered blocked.

I have googled the error code and tried some of the solutions.

So far, I have 12 days to activated Windows 7. Meaning Windows 7 isn't activated.

Please note: I don't have the kind of internet access to download anything. My internet source is from a mobile hotspot with a data limit.

Answer 1

It does apply; I advised you of that

Applies to: Windows 10Windows 7Windows 8.1

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Contact Microsoft:

Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 - Windows Help - Microsoft Support

When you begin activation, Windows will try to use your Internet connection to activate online. If you have problems activating online, you can activate using the phone.

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If you have to use Phone Activation, read this detailed information about using that method:

Do not follow the Auto Prompts, but hold on for a real person to explain the problem to.

"How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone"

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html

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If you have problems using that method contact Microsoft Support:

To contact Microsoft Support:

What can we help you with?

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

Contact support        

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/contact-support

Cheers.

Answer 2

You need to install it

Answer 3

Still have a WINDOWS 7 that isn't activated and this ...

0xC004E003

You might see this error after installing third-party software that changed system files. Windows activation needs certain system files to complete activation. You can try to restore the system files back to an earlier point in time. This removes any software<br> you installed after that point in time without affecting your personal files.<br><br><br><br><br><br>For more info, see the section about how to restore from a system restore point in Recovery options in Windows 10.

Just leaves me with more questions, first I don't have windows 10 installed. I have windows 7.

A fresh install on a new hard drive and the product key on the sticker on the bottom doesn't work, the product key from the dead old hard drive, doesn't work. The alternative windows product key I have is blocked my Microsoft. So, I looking for answers not more questions?

I don't have an option for activating by phone. I have googled and tried the suggestion and still no option to activate by phone.

(revised answer)

You can try to restore the system files back to an earlier point in time. This removes any software you installed after that point in time without affecting your personal files.

Why I'm getting this error, I don't know. Windows 7 was installed on a new hard drive, I updated all the drivers need from my computer. Install a few programs that I used. Since the day I installed windows 7 on the new hard drive. I have not been able to activated it. I have tried the internet and phone option to no available solution. All my Windows 7 Home Premium products keys are either invalid or blocked. The suggestion of installing what the error states, there is nothing to revert too. There is no restore point, no

recovery options. I do not have any problems with my OS or any issues.

Answer 4

If you continue to get activation error codes also read this:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/10738/windows-10-get-help-with-activation-errors

Applies to: Windows 10Windows 7Windows 8.1

Answer 5

Sony Vaio Hard Drive failed, bought a new ssd hard drive for computer. Used a borrowed Windows 7 Home Edition SP1. Did a fresh install. Tried to use the product under the laptop. (Invalid product key) Then downloaded ProduKey v1.93 to get the product key from the failed hard drive. Tried that product key. (Product already in use) Bought a product key not from Ebay and that product key was blocked my Microsoft. Contact the place I got the product key and they gave me another key, that was also blocked my Microsoft. I erased the ssd hard drive and did another install from a windows 7 installation DVD. So, I need some assistance with activating my Windows 7. Please don't tell me to upgrade, not interested in Windows 10 and I couldn't afford to do an upgrade.

Product key finder programs do not find a useable product key to reinstall the OS.

That product key was used at the factory on multiple machines.

Warning:

You do not buy a Product Key by itself, as they are normally stolen/pirated, Volume Licenses which are not for private use, or MSDN keys which are not to be sold by the original subscription holder.

Make sure that you buy the complete sealed package (DVD, license)

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If you want to reinstall the OS correctly, follow these steps:

You have to reinstall the EXACT same edition as is on the COA sticker.

Download the correct ISO file and make your own disk and use the Product Key that is on the COA Sticker.

https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-download-tool

Download: Windows ISO Downloader.exe

Version: 6.00

Release Date: 11 April 2018

Requirements: Windows 7 or newer, .NET Framework 4.x, Internet Explorer 8 or newer.

Important: As of Version 6.00, we're adding back an experimental feature to generate links for Windows 7 and Office 2010. Generation of new links for these products is throttled, and not every download is always available in every language. New links are generated on a first come first served basis, with users who enable the idle resource donation getting preferential treatment. If you have further questions, please use theWinCert Forum to get in touch, so that other users can also benefit from the discussion.

And here are instructions on how to burn ISO images to disk:

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/ISORecorder.html

You change the Boot Order in the BIOS to be able to boot from your installation media:

How to Boot Your Computer From a Disc or USB Drive

Then do a clean install:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

The COA sticker is either on the underside of the Laptop or in the Battery Compartment.

With a Desktop it is either on the side, rear or top of the Computer Case.

Using the downloaded ISO file Method may require phone Activation.

If it does require phone Activation, do not follow the Auto Prompts, but hold on for a real person to explain to as to what has been done for re-installation purposes

"How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone"

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html

The above method also will require you to go to your Computer Manufacturer's website > Support and Downloads Section > locate your Model Number and Operating System > then download and install the latest Drivers for it.

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Using the USB method in conjunction with the above Windows 7 download:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

"How to Get and Use the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool"

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31541-windows-7-usb-dvd-download-tool.html

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And this is very good and easy to use:

Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way

Cheers.