Windows asking to activate after few months working fine

Hello reg,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

It sounds like you're dealing with an activation issue on Windows that could be the result of a few possible causes. Based on the information you've provided, including the error code 0xC004F200 (non-genuine) and the discrepancy in the partial product key, let me break down the potential causes and steps you can take to resolve this.

1. Understanding the Error:

The error code 0xC004F200 indicates that your system is detecting the product key as non-genuine, even though you have a genuine OEM license. This could happen for a few reasons, and it's possible that something went wrong during the activation process after a system update.

• OEM License: You mentioned you have an OEM:NONSLP license, which means it's tied to the hardware of your system. Normally, such licenses don't require manual activation and should automatically activate when you reinstall Windows or after a system update, provided the hardware is the same.

• Partial Product Key Mismatch: You noticed that the partial product key displayed doesn't match the one you have on your holographic label. This could indicate either a mismatch in the license information stored on your system or a problem with the activation process.

2. Possible Causes:

1. Activation Servers Glitch: Sometimes, Microsoft's activation servers can experience temporary issues, which could lead to a failed activation even for a genuine product.

2. System Update Causing Activation Issues: It's possible that a Windows update might have affected the activation status. Windows updates sometimes make changes to activation components, which can cause previously activated systems to fail activation.

3. Corrupted License or Product Key Mismatch: If there's a mismatch between the product key stored in your system and the one on your physical label (e.g., if the product key got corrupted or incorrectly entered), Windows will fail to activate. This could also happen if there was any issue during the installation process.

4. Potential License Compromise: While this is unlikely if you bought it from a reputable source, there is a slight chance that the license could have been compromised or flagged incorrectly by Microsoft's activation systems. However, this is rare for legitimate OEM keys purchased from trusted retailers.

3. Troubleshooting Steps:

Step 1: Re-enter Your Product Key Manually

Since you've noticed that the product key shown in slmgr.vbs is not matching or activation is failing, try manually re-entering your product key:

1. Open a Command Prompt (Admin) window.

2. Enter the following command to input your key:

   slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Replace XXXXX with the key from your holographic label.

After entering the key, run this command to attempt activation:

slmgr.vbs /ato

This will force Windows to recheck the key and attempt activation.

Step 2: Use the Windows Activation Troubleshooter

If the manual method doesn’t work, use the built-in Windows Activation Troubleshooter:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.

2. If Windows detects any issues with activation, it will offer you the option to troubleshoot.

3. Run the troubleshooter and follow the steps. It may automatically fix common issues related to activation.

Step 3: Verify the System's Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can also cause activation failures. Ensure that your system's date, time, and time zone are correctly set.

1. Right-click on the time in the taskbar and select Adjust date/time.

2. Ensure that Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are both turned on.

Step 4: Use Phone Activation

If online activation is failing, you can try activating via phone:

1. Open a Command Prompt (Admin) window.

2. Enter:

   slui 4

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate by phone. You will be given a set of numbers to call and instructions on how to proceed.

Step 5: Contact Microsoft Chat Support

If you've tried the above methods and are still getting the non-genuine message, it’s time to reach out to Microsoft Chat Support Channel. They will be able to assist you with verifying your product key and fixing any activation issues.

• Explain your situation: the key is genuine, it worked for 10 months, and the issue started after a system update.

• Provide them with the full error message and your product key (if required).

Here's how to contact Microsoft:

1. Visit this site: Contact - Microsoft Support

2. Type "contact" and click Get Help.

   

3. Click contact support at the bottom of the page.

   

4. Sign in with your Microsoft account.

5. Under Products and Services, select Windows.

6. In the category, select Activate my product, then click confirm.

7. You can access the chat window by selecting “Chat with a Support Specialist in a Web Browser”.

Please Note: The Chat support team only works at certain times, so if the last window says the service is not available, try to come back later. If you prefer phone support, you can leave a phone number. That way, they can call you and help you.

Sincerely hope your issue can be resolved after contacting the correct department.

Best Regards,

William.Y | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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