Inspiron 660 Windows 8.1 Pro validation has expired

Question

I bought an Inspiron 66 used on Craigslist with Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center. Recently, I started to get warning screens that Windows validation was about was about to expire, which it subsequently did. After many hours of searching, I was able to determine that the Windows 8.1 Pro was installed with a generic volume license key from a KMS server (thanks, craigslist). Since the validation has expired, apparently, that key no longer exists.

After many more hours of searching and being given the run around by Microsoft support technicians, I still do not have a valid key. The only clue I have is that there is a Dell Windows 7 Pro OA sticker attached to the computer case with a key.

It looks like the latest OS approved by Dell for the Inspiron 660 is Windows 8.1. Is there anything that can be done where I can keep the Windows 8.1 Pro (the Media Center is unimportant to me)?

From what I have read, it appears that the key for the invalid Windows 8.1 Pro is embedded in the Bios and that any attempts to repair or reinstall the Windows 8.1 Pro on this computer will be tied to that expired generic key. Does anyone know if this is true and possible to overcome?

I have searched endlessly but have not found any solutions for my situation so I thought I might post here and see if anyone has a solution but I'm afraid my situation is becoming time sensitive and I can no longer sift through thousands of suggestions that don't pertain to my situation.

Windows has grown so tiresome.

Thanks in advance and any information is appreciated.

dan

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

If you have a Windows 7 COA then you won't have a Windows 8.1 UEFI BIOS embedded SLP key. You therefore will be unable to activate Windows 8.1 Pro. Windows 7 keys are not interchangeable with Windows 8.1 installation media but are with Windows 10 installation media.

Since you have a Windows 7 key you can instead use it to directly clean install Windows 10 RS1. You should update your UEFI BIOS to the latest version and enable SecureBoot before performing the clean installation. The Inspiron 660 should run Windows 10 RS1 without a problem (despite the fact Dell don't support it).

See here for details:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1RkaknDn7v-Ucth4gt0U3BHVSY7oNkWr

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-10-oem-and-retail-iso/

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

You need to change the settings in the UEFI BIOS setup. See here:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/uefi/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3N2y1VbYSQ&list=PL1RkaknDn7v-Ucth4gt0U3BHVSY7oNkWr&index=2

earthdragon · Answer

Thanks so much for the information. I'm investigating the status of my computer per your instructions and will attempt the installation and report back.

earthdragon · Answer

Ok, so far, updated BIOS from A10 to A11 (only update available for Inspiron 660). Looks like I have SMBIOS 2.7 but shows BIOS Mode=Legacy, Secure Boot State=unsupported (in BIOS Secure Boot option is grayed out and unselectable) and no entry for UEFI Bios (although there wa an entry for it with the A10 BIOS). Your instructions indicate that without UEFI BIOS Windows 10 installation may fail so not sure how to proceed. Thanks and any info is appreciated.

earthdragon · Answer

Ok, thanks for the info. I see how to do it now. I got it. Success!

I'm replying using my shiny new *validated* Windows 10 Pro (Version 1607, build 14393.0) installed from Window Installation Media on a bootable USB drive with UEFI and Secure Boot enabled!

Thanks so much for all your help and guides!

Philip_Yip · Answer

Excellent, thanks for reporting a successful install. Glad my guides helped. :)

Windows General

Inspiron 660 Windows 8.1 Pro validation has expired

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