Error Code 0xC004C003 after installing new hard drive.

Question

Hello,

Recently, Dell sent me a new hard drive to replace my corrupt one. The original hard drive had Windows 8.1 installed on it. I updated my laptop to Windows 10 once the update became available.

The new hard drive that Dell sent me also came with Windows 8.1. My laptop is now saying that neither of my product keys, original or installed, are capable of activating Windows.

The error code is: 0xC004C003

Dell said there was nothing they could do. I have tried calling Microsoft's technical support and not a single person has picked up the phone. I have had no luck solving this problem on my own or online. 

Thank you for reading,

Julian.

Answer 1

Use the key supplied by this tool:

neosmart.net/OemKey/

If you want to upgrade again, use Dave's instructions for Windows 10 upgrade.

Answer 2

Windows 8.0, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 came preinstalled on my computer, how do I find the product key?

Press Windows key + X

Click Command Prompt (admin)

Enter the following command:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Hit Enter

The product key will be revealed, copy the product key then enter it

Click Start > Settings > Update & security > Activation > Change the product key then enter the new product key then click Next to Activate

If you are unable to activate Windows after all the above and you are certain you have the correct edition installed, then please attempt phone activation:

Activate Your Windows 10 License via Microsoft Chat Support

https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/...

Answer 3

Hi Julian, you can reinstall Windows 10 at any time and it will not cost you anything !

Since you previously had Windows 10 installed and activated on that PC during the installation process skip the steps which ask for a product key and select the option 'I am Reinstalling Windows 10 on this PC', and activation will not be an issue, your PC will have a digital entitlement stored on the Microsoft Activation Servers

IMPORTANT

Make sure you install the same Edition of Windows 10 (Home, Pro . . . etc.) you previously had installed to avoid Activation issues

Click this link:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-downlo...

to download the Media Creation Tool (Click on Download Tool Now), with that you can download the latest Windows 10 ISO (Select Create Installation Media for Another PC), you can create a bootable USB flash drive (min 8GB) using that tool

Then, Boot your PC from the Installation Media you just created (change Boot Order in your BIOS) to begin installing Windows 10

If you have problems booting from a boot disc, you may have UEFI BIOS:

Insert the Bootable Installation Media, then go into your BIOS and make the following changes:

1. Disable Secure Boot
2. Enable Legacy Boot
3. If Available enable CSM
4. If Required enable USB Boot
5. Move the device with the bootable disc to the top of the boot order
6. Save BIOS changes, restart your System and it should boot from the Installation Media