How to install windows ........

Mr G

Mr G

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So I thought I could figure this out in one go, apparently not :confused::confused:

I'm rebuilding an old desktop pc for my kids with some basic components - i3-2100, 1155 mobo, 8GB ram, 2GB graphics card. I bought a licence for Windows 10 Pro, installed media creation tool onto a usb, and tried to install windows onto a completely blank (formatted) HDD. Since the HDD is blank, I can't upgrade or update windows, it needs to be a clean install. However, the licence key doesn't work, checking with the seller now (bidorbuy) what the issue is. I've used this buyer before for other licence keys, so pretty sure the licence is legit.

Is there a generic licence key that I can use to install windows 10, and then upgrade using the licence key which I bought? What other options are there for me to be able to install windows without a licence key (7, 8 or 10)?

I'm at work now, so will only be able to try out suggestions when I get home.

Thanks
 
ghoti said:
Install it without a key. Input the key once you get it. It runs without a key, it just has a nag watermark.
Click to expand...
Thats the thing though, it won't allow me to install without a key. Or maybe there's just something I"m not doing right.

Wish i had taken some pics of the message that comes up to post here, but I'll try that later if it doesnt work.
 
Mr G said:
I do have a Win 7 Pro iso, so I'l grab rufus and create a bootable usb, but if that doesn't work I'll get one from here. Thanks
Click to expand...
What @ghoti said.

You can also use the Windows 7 USB download tool to make a Windows 10 USB.
Usually Media Creation Tool works fine, but I have had issues with it and Rufus before.
 
OP, you can use Ventoy on your USB,then just drop the ISO's on the drive.

Regarding the key,you should have the option to skip it during the install on windows 10. I did this two nights ago with the latest build from media creator tool as an iso
 
Use YUMI to install that windows 10 iso as downloaded from the above mentioned posters onto a clean 8GB usb drive. Then boot from that USB drive on the PC that you want to install on and it will prompt you to all the way to finish the setup. It's a pretty straightforward process really.
 
Last edited:
I'll have some time on my hands tonight, should be able to get it working with all the suggestions!
 
Mr G said:
I'll have some time on my hands tonight, should be able to get it working with all the suggestions!
Click to expand...
Cool cool.
I reread your post and realized it is possible to use generic keys to get past that window if you already have the installation media

www.tenforums.com

Generic Product Keys to Install Windows 10 Editions

List of Generic Product Keys to Install Windows 10 Editions
www.tenforums.com www.tenforums.com

You then use cmd to add in your key.
www.howtogeek.com/245445/how-to-use-slmgr-to-change-remove-or-extend-your-windows-license/amp/

It's worth a shot while you wait for ISO's to download
 
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