Hello! Do you have a question about Windows Server or Windows Client for IT Pros?

Please note that both categories together with questions have been moved to Microsoft Q&A. This change will help us provide a more streamlined and efficient experience for all your questions and discussions.

Windows Client for It Pros
Windows Server

March 5, 2025

Hello! Do you have a question about Windows Server or Windows Client for IT Pros?

Choose where you want to search below

Search the community and support articles
Windows
Windows 8
Search Community member

Ask a new question

sapik atimi

Get error "0xc004e016 on a computer running microsoft windows non-core edition" when i want to change the product key.

this problem were pop up when i want to change the product key.
the full problem is 'error 0xc004e016 on a computer running microsoft windows non-core edition

run slui.exe 0x2a 0xc004e016 to display the error text'

i'm now using windows 8 professional with media centre 32bit.

Original title: how to fix error 0xc004e016?

This thread is locked. You can vote as helpful, but you cannot reply or subscribe to this thread.

Report abuse

Type of abuse

Harassment is any behavior intended to disturb or upset a person or group of people. Threats include any threat of violence, or harm to another. Any content of an adult theme or inappropriate to a community web site. Any image, link, or discussion of nudity. Any behavior that is insulting, rude, vulgar, desecrating, or showing disrespect. Any behavior that appears to violate End user license agreements, including providing product keys or links to pirated software. Unsolicited bulk mail or bulk advertising Any link to or advocacy of virus, spyware, malware, or phishing sites. Any other inappropriate content or behavior as defined by the Terms of Use or Code of Conduct. Hateful content that attacks, insults, or degrades someone because of a protected trait, such as their race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability status, or caste. Any content about suicide and self-harm that could be dangerous. Any image, link, or discussion related to child pornography, child nudity, or other child abuse or exploitation.

Details (required):

250 characters remaining

Report Anonymously

Thank you.

Reported content has been submitted

Replies (28)

* Please try a lower page number.

* Please enter only numbers.

1 2 3 Next

* Please try a lower page number.

* Please enter only numbers.

A. User

Hi Sapik,

Thank you for choosing Windows 8 and for providing us an opportunity to assist you.

You have mentioned that when you try to change the product key, you get the error “'error 0xc004e016 on a computer running microsoft windows non-core edition run slui.exe 0x2a 0xc004e016 to display the error text”. We’re here to help you with this issue.

Just a few questions first, to get a clear picture of the issue;

1) Why are you trying to change the product key?
2) Has this new product key been used in any other computer earlier?
3) What method are you following to change the product key?

This issue could be caused due to some corrupted system files or due to some incorrect settings. I would suggest you to try these steps and check:

a) Press Windows key + R, type “slui.exe 3” and press enter
b) Enter the new product key and check if it works.
c) If you still get the same error, I would suggest you to again press Windows key +R
d) Type “slui.exe 4” and press enter and then follow the prompts to activate the copy by phone.

You can also refer this link for more information:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/why-activate-windows

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we’d be happy to help.

Report abuse

Type of abuse

Details (required):

250 characters remaining

Report Anonymously

Thank you.

Reported content has been submitted

34 people found this reply helpful

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

sapik atimi

Thank for reply,

1) I use the free product key that microsoft give, which mean media centre product key to active my windows 8.
The windows already active, but i can't change the personalise like lock screen, start screen and account picture.
And i decide to change other product key, then i remove this product key to change to other product key.
When i want to enter other key, the error message pop up.

2)No, this is my first product key.

3)I change product key using cmd.

Report abuse

Type of abuse

Details (required):

250 characters remaining

Report Anonymously

Thank you.

Reported content has been submitted

14 people found this reply helpful

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

PeterMišún

I have exactly the identical issue, after Ive changed the product key to new one with free media center, after some updates and restarts the windows is not activated and none of the mentioned/unmentioned suggestion works. Great job microsoft! Waiting for immediate fix!

Report abuse

Type of abuse

Details (required):

250 characters remaining

Report Anonymously

Thank you.

Reported content has been submitted

22 people found this reply helpful

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

xotracy

I dont see a reply here..

Is there even a fix for non core edition other than doing an in-place upgrade??

Report abuse

Type of abuse

Details (required):

250 characters remaining

Report Anonymously

Thank you.

Reported content has been submitted

6 people found this reply helpful

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

ebmaster

Hi! Try to delete C:\Windows\System32\spp\store\2.0\cache\cache.dat

Report abuse

Type of abuse

Details (required):

250 characters remaining

Report Anonymously

Thank you.

Reported content has been submitted

141 people found this reply helpful

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

Anilnishad

yes i have this problum

Report abuse

Type of abuse

Details (required):

250 characters remaining

Report Anonymously

Thank you.

Reported content has been submitted

16 people found this reply helpful

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

Anilnishad

this problem were pop up when i want to change the product key.
the full problem is 'error 0xc004e016 on a computer running microsoft windows non-core edition
run slui.exe 0x2a 0xc004e016 to display the error text'.

yes please help me

Report abuse

Type of abuse

Details (required):

250 characters remaining

Report Anonymously

Thank you.

Reported content has been submitted

55 people found this reply helpful

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

Srimadhwa B

Hi,

Follow this step to retype the product key.

Press “Windows key + R” , type “slui 3” and hit enter. Follow the on screen directions.

Follow this step to activate your copy of Windows over phone.

Press “Windows key + R”, type “slui 4” and hit enter. Follow the on screen directions.

Thank you.

Report abuse

Type of abuse

Details (required):

250 characters remaining

Report Anonymously

Thank you.

Reported content has been submitted

12 people found this reply helpful

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

Eric Sho

Try this(I haven't test yet)

CMD (admin)

slmgr /upk
slmgr.vbs /cpky
slmgr /ckms
slmgr.vbs /ckms
slmgr /skms localhost

Tell me if this works

Report abuse

Type of abuse

Details (required):

250 characters remaining

Report Anonymously

Thank you.

Reported content has been submitted

1324 people found this reply helpful

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

Maurizio Di Stefano

for me, it worked like a charm.

Thank you very much for your hint

Report abuse

Type of abuse

Details (required):

250 characters remaining

Report Anonymously

Thank you.

Reported content has been submitted

24 people found this reply helpful

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

* Please try a lower page number.

* Please enter only numbers.

1 2 3 Next

* Please try a lower page number.

* Please enter only numbers.

Question Info

Last updated February 25, 2025 Views 480,116 Applies to:

Windows
/
Windows 8
/
Install, upgrade, & activate