📎 AI Summary:
The forum thread discusses a Windows activation error (0xC004C003) encountered after upgrading from Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 to Windows 10 and performing a clean install. The original poster seeks help, and contributors suggest the issue may stem from improper upgrading procedures or cloning systems, emphasizing that Windows 7 or 8 keys generally no longer activate Windows 10. Overall, participants share insights based on their experiences, indicating that correct upgrade methods and account sign-ins are crucial for activation success.
S

senthiele

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Thread Author #1
anyone know y am getting this error. I have my key and everthing so I cant figure out what is going on
 

Solution
Saltgrass
When I did a clean install, the system activated before I even signed into the Microsoft Account. Remember, you do not use a Windows 7 or Windows 8 key, they become useless with Windows 10.

You did have to complete an upgrade on a qualifying system and probably have signed into a Microsoft Account. If the process did not complete, the clean install will not activate. I have had several systems that would not activate in certain circumstances and have never seen that error.
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Saltgrass

Saltgrass

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#2
You have your key to what exactly?

When are you getting the error message?
 
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ussnorway

ussnorway

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#3
error code: 0xC004C003 is Microsoft your key failed to activate... at a guess you tried to do a clean install first without upgrading to get your wx key or you tried to use some [insert image tool] to clone a wx from another system.

opps: I'll butt out... your fast Saltgrass!
 
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O

Oliver S

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#4
Hey,

I have been browsing Google searching for people (such as OP) with the same problem as me.

ussnorway said:
error code: 0xC004C003 is Microsoft your key failed to activate... at a guess you tried to do a clean install first without upgrading to get your wx key or you tried to use some [insert image tool] to clone a wx from another system.

opps: I'll butt out... your fast Saltgrass!
Click to expand...

I upgraded from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, then did a clean install. Currently it has been a week and Windows has not re-activated yet.
 
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Saltgrass

Saltgrass

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#5
When I did a clean install, the system activated before I even signed into the Microsoft Account. Remember, you do not use a Windows 7 or Windows 8 key, they become useless with Windows 10.

You did have to complete an upgrade on a qualifying system and probably have signed into a Microsoft Account. If the process did not complete, the clean install will not activate. I have had several systems that would not activate in certain circumstances and have never seen that error.
 
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Solution
ussnorway

ussnorway

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#6
Saltgrass said:
have never seen that error.
Click to expand...
Its easy to do;
1. start with w7 pro... upgrade it to wx pro
then get a bit mixed up when you go to make your fresh install and
2. install wx home... when you try to activate you will get this error

I can think of other ways but that would have to be the most common.
 

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