Windows activation failed after bios update

[bogsbinny]

I have a MD 34830 and I recently updated the bios to the one found here (if there is a newer version, please send me a copy). I also did a clean install of Windows11 and noticed it was not activating:

I tried the troubleshoot option and got this:

Gone ahead with "I recently changed hardware on this device" and it asked me for a Microsoft account, which I didn't have. After I made one and went through the steps, it just told me there is no activation code linked to that account (obviously since I never used a Microsoft account, just a local one) and I should buy one.

What can I do now?

[daddle]

@bogsbinny 

I would suggest you make use of the activation by phone. For this you should have if possible the old Windows key stored in  UEFI . This shouldn't have been deleted by updating the Bios (UEFI).

Which biosfile  did you use:

This one from the link by @MajorTom ?

Your  PC is a ERAZER  Engineer X10. The question arises if this is the right  Bios.

Your MB is a GIGABYTE B660M DS3H AX DDR4

So you should ask @Major_ToM if this Bios fits the MB of your Engineer X 10 ( MSN  10024811 ?) as well.

At least it  looks like it.

Did you change some hardware as well? This could be a reason.

 Bye, daddle

[bogsbinny]

Hello

I just got a new clean Win11 install and this is what the activation status is now:

If I go to troubleshoot and "I recently changed hardware on this device" it guides me through the same steps as before, with the same results.

@daddle 

I have checked for the old key in the UEFI but there is nothing there, so a phone activation would probably do nothing. This is what I used:

The bios I used was that one linked by @Major_ToM . I figured since I have the same motherboard in my MD 34830, it would be no problem. And other than the activation issue, there is no problem.

As for hardware, I have recently added a new m.2 drive, as well as more ram and sata drives over the past year.

How should I get in touch with @Major_ToM ? Just send him a private message?

Thank you for your help!

[Fishtown]

Hello  @bogsbinny and welcome
try to read the key with a program, for example showkeyplus:

https://www.computerbild.de/download/ShowKeyPlus-18836381.html

bye Fishtown

[bogsbinny]

Hello @Fishtown and thank you

I ran showkeyplus and this is what I got

As I suspected, no key.

[Fishtown]

hello @bogsbinny , last try to read the OEM key
open the command prompt (cmd) as admin and enter "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey".

wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

 bye Fishtown

[bogsbinny]

@FishtownI tried that and it just returns: OA3xOriginalProductKey

[Luke]

Hello @bogsbinny,

please make the visible product key unrecognisable and upload your screenshot again.

Thanks,

Luke

[Major_ToM]

Hi @bogsbinny,

I guess we´re having a challenge here:
Like @daddle already mentioned you have been working with a DT PC with a built in Gigabyte B660M DS3H AX DDR4 1.0 AX201 mainboard an executed a bios update from a laptop from a completely different manufacturer.
If things don´t work out like described by @Fishtown I fear we have you open up a chargeable service case for your unit.

Regards,

Major ToM

[bogsbinny]

Hello @Major_ToM 

I had no clue that was for a laptop. I looked at the model of the motherboard and just thought it was another desktop with the same motherboard. Given that the bios update utility had no problem with it, I didn't even consider it would be an issue.

Running "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey" as @Fishtown said returns no key.

Is there a bios file available for my machine? Also what do you mean when you say chargeable service case?

Thank you for your help