I say strange because it pops up even when using a valid Windows activation key. It is more interesting that Windows could have been showing it’s activated all along and working seamlessly, only to claim it lacks a genuine activation abruptly. What follows are ongoing issues, including the operating system disabling some features. And again, the xc004f200 complications are not limited to Windows and will sometimes surface when transferring Microsoft Office to new PCs. Well, don’t fret if this problem has confronted you, as we have prepared surefire solutions to this issue, as we did for the Windows 10 Activation Error Code 0xc004f211. But before we discuss them, let’s see what triggers the 0xC004F200 (not genuine) warning.
What causes error 0xc004f200?
Most users have been encountering this issue after an update. For others, it’s when installing Office software on new PCs or after a hardware upgrade. Now, the issue is not due to a software misconfiguration, but rather because of the nature of Microsoft’s licensing arrangements. For instance, your MSDN key or TechNet Product Keys may become blocked if used in other machines since they are meant to be used by a single person. But you may be able lucky and manage to use it for a while before the system senses. Your luck runs out with a system change, for example, after reinstalling Windows. Again, despite users being aware of the strict Microsoft licensing terms, some users still give away product keys illegally or resell them on auction sites. Microsoft usually detects once such a key has been installed in a second machine and blacklists it, preventing further use. So in short, the error emanates from Microsoft thinking that your software is pirated and happens to even users who have installed genuine programs.
How do I fix error code 0xc004f200?
Here are our recommended ways to get rid of this challenge.
1. Change The Windows Product Key
You may get this fault if you reinstalled Windows using other media but the valid Recovery disks for your machine. In such a case, you need to change the Product Key and install the one printed on your COA (certificate of authenticity) sticker. Steps:
2. Uninstall latest Updates/Roll back changes
Uninstalling the Windows Update which brought about the error also solves the problem in some cases. This is the update you lastly did prior to receiving a 0xC004F200 warning for the first time. Steps: Windows 7/Vista
Windows 8/8.1
(For 8.1 just click the Start button then type “Control Panel” in the search box to perform a quick search )
Windows 10
3. Try the Activation Troubleshooter
Select Activation in the left pane and click Troubleshoot just below the Activate Windows Now section (Note that the Troubleshoot option is only available in inactivated Windows).
Click Yes when asked by the UAC.
The troubleshooter will show that Windows can’t activate this device.
Now, click I changed hardware on this device recently.
Next, sign in with the Microsoft account linked with your digital license.
Select your device from the list of devices and click this is the device I’m using right now.
Finally, click Activate.
That’s all. Your error should now be gone. Users running version 1607 of Windows 10 or later can get help from the Activation troubleshooter mostly if the 0xC004F200 related issues arise after a major hardware change (like upgrading RAM) or reinstalling Windows.
4. Do A Complete Reinstall
If everything else fails, you try to reformat and reinstall your edition of Windows. You can use the manufacturer’s Recovery media -if available for that PC as well as a download of a Retail ISO/disk. You will then need to activate Windows using a legal license as described below. SPONSORED
5. Reactivate Windows
Maybe your computer lost its activation settings so try to undertake a fresh Windows activation. Windows 7 You can also activate the Windows 7 copy by phone: Steps: Windows 8.1 To activate Windows 8.1 by phone: Windows 8 That should be it. However, if the error persists in Windows 8, you can execute these remedial steps to see if you might finally make progress: This may successfully remove the error. Windows 10 You can reactivate your Windows 10 by entering your 23-digit product key or a digital license.
6. Contact Support
Microsoft support is very helpful when faced with a plethora of technical issues so you can chat with them for assistance. You can contact them here to find the exact status of your Windows Key.
Error 0xc004f200 When Installing Office On Windows
Some users meet his problem when trying to install Microsoft Office. If you are in a similar scenario, you can still get your way out using the following fixes:
1. Use Microsoft’s Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool
One of the easiest ways is to use the Genuine Advantage Diagnostic troubleshooting tool. The tool automatically diagnoses and resolves common Windows and Office-related problems. Here are the steps to run the diagnostics:
2. Re-install Office
Reinstalling the software may also be a solution regardless of your Office version. Steps: Restart the PC in Clean Boot mode. For starters, the “clean boot” usually starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs. This helps you determine whether it’s a background process that’s interfering with the office and triggering problems. Here is how to enter a clean boot: Now the computer will restart and run in clean boot.
How to Reset the PC To A Normal Boot
Remember to return your PC to starting normally after you’re done troubleshooting in clean boot. Steps: Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10
The computer will prompt you to restart it. Accept the reboot request.
Windows 7 That’s all for this method and this guide. If you are facing a similar issue in Windows activation error 0x80041023, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly. Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.
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