Windows 8 wants to reactivate with new motherboard, error 0x80070241

1

An HP tech had to replace my motherboard (twice within a short period, actually) and now Windows 8 wants me to reactivate. I get this error when I try to go through the activation process:

What do I do?


Update: I got this output when I ran the first command in magicandre1981's post.

Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
Version: 6.2.9200.16384

Image Version: 6.2.9200.16384

[==========================100.0%==========================]

Error: 1392

The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.

The DISM log file can be found at C:\Windows\Logs\DISM\dism.log

I also called Microsoft tech support and I gave them my key and the error code, but they directed me towards the DreamSpark site because I'm using a DreamSpark Premium key. I don't know if either of these two actions did anything to resolve the problem, but a few hours later my Windows install had been activated successfully in the background.

This notification showed up in my Action Center, but I don't know if it is related to my problems at all:

Following this notification I rebooted my machine as instructed and everything seems to work fine now. I'm not sure who to credit for solving this question, though.

windows-8
windows-activation
asked on Super User Dec 20, 2012 by Pieter • edited Dec 20, 2012 by Pieter

2 Answers

2

I suggest you activate by phone by following the steps below:

  1. Press Windows key + X then click Run, then type: slui.exe 4

  2. Next press the 'ENTER' key

  3. Select your 'Country' from the list.

  4. Choose the 'Phone Activation' option.

  5. Stay on the phone (do not select/press any options) and wait for a person to help you with activation.

  6. Explain your problem clearly to the support person.

Source

answered on Super User Dec 20, 2012 by Ramhound
0

Run the new DISM commands, to detect missing and corrupted Windows files, from a cmd prompt with admin rights:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

If it detects errors, run this:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

to restore damaged files. Now reboot and try to activate Windows again. Does it work this time?

answered on Super User Dec 20, 2012 by magicandre1981

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