Summary
We have a troubleshooter that can help with certain activation errors you might get:
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If your PC’s manufacturer replaced your motherboard under warranty
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Activation Error 0x803F7001
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If you entered a Volume License product key
Note For these errors, you will need a valid (non-Volume License) product key for Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 to finish the activation.-
0x8007007B
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0xC004E016
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0x8007232B
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0xC004F074
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0xC004F038
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Before trying the troubleshooter, make sure you are on the most current version of Windows 10. From Start, select Settings, then choose System, and then press About. You should see Version 1511 listed. If you don’t see it, then click Settings, Update & Security, Windows Update and click Check for updates.
Once you know you’re on version 1511, download and run the troubleshooter: http://aka.ms/diag_cssemerg79558
If you had one of the Volume License key errors, you will be asked for a new key after the troubleshooter runs.
If you have trouble running the troubleshooter, please reply below. If you have another Activation issue, please post in the Download, Install and Activation folder of the Windows 10 support forum.
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-windows_install
Details
Activation errors after motherboard replacement
Starting with Windows 8 and continuing with Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, most PC manufactures are injecting their Windows product key into the motherboard of the PC. This allows the PC to activate automatically when you first boot up the PC and to re-activate if the PC is ever reset or needs a clean install. The product key in the motherboard is edition-specific and will only activate that edition of Windows (Home, Pro, etc.).
When the motherboard is replaced under warranty, Windows will detect a hardware change and look for the new product key that was included in the replaced motherboard. Sometimes the new product key is not retrieved by Windows, and you get Activation Error 0x803F7001. The troubleshooter will ask Windows to re- try retrieving the product key from the new motherboard and activated it.
Correcting the mistake of entering a Global Volume License key
The troubleshooter also corrects a second, less common issue. If you searched the web, you might have found and entered a Global Volume License (GVL) Key. GVL Keys only work for PCs in an Enterprise environment where the administrator has setup this system of licensing. If you mistakenly entered a GVL Key, you PC will no longer accept regular product keys, and will give the activation error 0x8007007B (or even 0xC004E016, 0x8007232B, 0xC004F074, 0xC004F038). This troubleshooter will identify the GVL Key and replace it with a regular retail default key. Your PC will not activate yet, but now will accept normal retail and OEM product keys.
