How to Activate your Windows 8 (8.1)

Windows 8 facilitates its users with exciting new features, with much more to explore. However, the privilege is for the activated users. The first thing, every user should do, is to activate his/her Windows 8, as soon as it is purchased. A registered and activated copy of Windows provides many relieves to the operators, in terms of update and support services.

On the other hand, many Windows 8 users have reported the issues regarding its activation. They are usually prompted with error messages like, DNS Name does not exist; Unable to activate Windows 8; A security error occurred; the filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect; and Genuine Validation detected tempered Windows binaries.

This text is addressed for the solution of same issue. With some adjustments in Windows Registry database, you might be able to repair your system with above noted error messages, by yourself. Read carefully the instructions, outlined below, as it involves certain level of sensitivity.

Repair Windows Registry

• Press Windows key + R to open the Run box
• Type ‘regedit’, hit Enter and confirm if Windows asks for admin privileges
• A window of Registry Editor must appear
• In the Registry Editor, navigate through HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE to reach following key
• SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE
• Click to highlight the OOBE key, and locate MediaBootInstall registry entry in the right panel
• If the entry does not exist, right click and choose New to create a DWORD Value
• Double click this value to Modify
• In the field next to Value data, change the value from 1 to 0
• Click OK to save your changes, and Exit Windows Registry Editor
• Now, stay on Start screen and type ‘cmd’ to conduct Search
• In the search results, view Command Prompt, and right click it to Run as administrator
• On the black screen, type the command slmgr /rearm and hit Enter
• Restart the computer when Windows prompts you to

Activate Windows 8

• Type to open Control Panel in the Start screen
• Click on the System icon, among all Control Panel items
• You will find the message, Windows is not activated under Windows activation area
• Click on the link stating Details on Windows Activation
• In the subsequent Windows Activation window, Select Activate
• Enter password or provide confirmation, if prompted with User Account Control message
• Type your given DPK into the field next to Product Key and click Activate
• It may take a few moments to activate your Windows 8, please be patient
• For confirmation, you can view the statement under the same Windows activation area

Or

• Type cmd on the Start screen start search
• In the search results, right click on the Command Prompt to select Run as administrator
• In the black screen, type slui 3 and hit Enter
• A Windows Activation dialog box would appear, requiring the Digital Product Key (DPK)
• Enter your product key (without dashes), and click on Activate button

Most probably, the techniques and procedures stated above would solve your problem in activating your copy of Windows 8. If the problem still persists, contact Help Desk and report your issue.