Mikael Sand - Trying to be different

(Updated 2009-09-08: Content edited to make post more readable and distinct)

(Updated 2009-12-18: Updated content after different solution was given by commenters)

(Updated 2010-02-20: Stop asking me for activation keys (codes). There is no way I will give you any.)

(Updated 2010-10-05: After poster Mika asked for instructions on how to find the place to change the activation code I updated the post.)

Well I have now installed Windows 7 on my laptop at work and oh my gosh it is fast. Installing it was really a breeze as you probably have read in all the other techie-blogs whose writers want to show off their tech edge (much like me).

I had just one problem and that was down to my own shortcomings. When I tried to activate Windows it gave me a strange error saying “Error Code 0xC004F074”:

The "More Information"-link does not provide much info. The thing is that when you install Windows 7 Enterprise you never really enter and product key and therefore Windows cannot be activated, since the key is moot.

What you have to do is change the product key by clicking the correct link in the activation window. The activation window is found in the Control Panel. Instructions on how to change the product key can be found here. It features instructions on how to do it via UI and command line.

Now enter your proper key and click next and you are done my friend.

Date and Time Zone Settings
Commenter jmbosse89 pointed out that you will also get this error "if your Date and maybe Time Zone/Regional Settings are not matching" and commenter tomko has verified it. Personally I have not had the chance to verify it but have not reason not to believe it works.