Activating Windows 10 Pro

Hello MajorGeeks - over the last few years you guys have helped me a couple times when I have been stuck on something, and I really appreciate the very competent assistance. Finally registered an account yesterday, so hello from a new member!

I have an HP/Compaq G62 laptop that I I purchased used about 2 years ago from a computer repair/supply store. Windows 10 Pro was already installed on it, no problems until a couple days ago when I finally gave in to Windows bugging me to run their latest major update. Now on the Update and Security category within settings is the message that Windows 10 needs to be activated. The message just appeared right after doing the last update, never an issue before.

When I attempted to activate I received error code Ox8007232B which tells me that they cannot activate my device because they cannot connect to my organization's activation server. They advised trying the troubleshooter and if that didn't work contacting my organization's support person. I don't have an organization, or an activation server, or a support person. The troubleshooter completed but could not activate Windows 10 either. That message told me to be sure I was connected to the Internet (of course I was) and if the problem persisted to contact my system administrator. I do believe that's me, so I didn't bother to call me.

There is an option to enter the product key, so I tried that. Sure I could not find the product key, no label on the machine, no COA, couldn't find my purchase receipt, and when I looked up the store I purchased from I learned they are no longer in business. Which led me back to you for help on extracting my product key. You guys came through again with the appropriate download and I had the info in about 2 minutes. I entered the product key, received a warning message that in order to activate with a product key that access must be made to my organization's activation server, and when it didn't work I once again received the same error code I referenced above. And of course through the whole thing I am urged to go to the Windows Store and purchase a new copy of Windows 10 and install that. I really don't want to do that, since I have a copy already on my computer, and yes it is an authentic one.

OK, what's the big deal about activation? I realize they want to be sure I am using an authentic copy of the software and not a bootleg copy or one that has been passed around to too many users, but is there any other reason for it? So far I noticed that the only thing I cannot do is to personalize Windows 10, there is a message in that category saying I must activate my copy of the software first. Does it prevent anything else? Is it necessary to activate for Windows 10 to function? Are updates provided only if the software is activated, or will that change? Any suggestions? Thank you.

 

Yeah that store likely sold you a hacked Win 10. They activated with some KMS tool. KMS - key management servers are how businesses activate Windows - the successor to VLKs (volume license keys) with XP. Yep you'll need to buy a new - retail copy & reload the OS so the key works.