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Fix it by symptom

Not sure what the error is called? Pick what you see or what you want to do, and we will point you to the right place.

Error code lookup

Seen a code such as 0xC004F050 or 30015-4? Find it below to learn what it means and what to try first.

Windows activation

0xC004F050Windows says the product key can't be used

What it means

Windows does not accept the key you entered, usually because of a typo, a character changed when pasting, or a key that belongs to a different Windows product.

What to try

  1. Open Settings, System, Activation, Change product key, and type the key again by hand, with normal hyphens (a pasted key can carry long dashes).
  2. Check that the Windows you installed (10 or 11, Home or Professional) is the one on your order.
  3. Going from Home to Pro? Follow our two-step guide and disconnect from the internet before switching the edition: that avoids this very code.

Message us if the code stays after retyping the key. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: How to Upgrade Windows 11 Home to Pro, How to Activate Windows 11, How to Activate Windows 10

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004F034Windows says the key is for another version

What it means

The key is invalid or belongs to a different version of Windows than the one installed.

What to try

  1. Open Settings, System, About, and note the Windows version and edition.
  2. Compare them with the product name on your order: the key must match both.
  3. Retype the key by hand in Change product key. If the edition is Home and you bought Pro, see 0xC004F210 on this page.

Message us if version and edition match your order and the code stays. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: How to Activate Windows 11, How to Activate Windows 10, License types

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004F2100xC004E016, 0xC004F212The key doesn't match your Windows edition

What it means

The key belongs to a different edition than the one installed, for example a Pro key on a PC running Home.

What to try

  1. Open Settings, System, About and read the edition. It must match the product name on your order.
  2. If it says Home and you bought Pro, follow our two-step guide to go from Home to Pro (Home Single Language is not supported).
  3. Before you reinstall anything, tell us the edition installed and the one on your order: a RETAIL License activation can't be reused after a reinstall.

Message us if you installed the wrong edition or are unsure which one you need.

Our guides: How to Upgrade Windows 11 Home to Pro, License types

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004C003The key was blocked or used too many times

What it means

Microsoft's servers refuse the key: in Windows, usually because it has already been used on more devices than it allows; in Office, because the key has been blocked.

What to try

  1. Stop retrying and don't reinstall anything yet.
  2. Check that you typed the key exactly as shown on your license page.
  3. Tell us right away, with your order number and a screenshot of the full message.

Message us if always, if the code appears. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: Office says Unlicensed Product or Product Activation Failed: How to Fix It, Warranty

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004C0080xC004C770, 0x803FA071The key was already used on another device

What it means

The key has already been used on another device, or on more devices than its license allows.

What to try

  1. Check whether you already activated this key on another PC. Most keys activate one device; 5PC products activate up to 5 PCs, and a key shared by several units says on your license page how many PCs it activates.
  2. Don't reinstall Windows to try again: a RETAIL License activation can't be reused after a reinstall.
  3. Send us your order number and a screenshot, and tell us on which PCs you used the key.

Message us if you are sure the key was used on one PC only.

Our guides: License types, Warranty

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004C020Your MAK has no activations left

What it means

A MAK can be activated only a limited number of times, and this one has reached its limit.

What to try

  1. Check the number of activations on your order and count the computers you have activated. Each computer uses one, and activating again after a reinstall or a hardware change uses another.
  2. Stop retrying on that computer.
  3. Message us with your order number and the number of computers you activated: we will check it with you. If you only need more computers, you can order a new MAK Volume License with more users or request a quote.

Message us if the count says you still have activations left. MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours to use all their activations or tell us about an error.

Our guides: License types, Request a quote, How to Install and Activate Office 2024 Professional Plus LTSC (MAK)

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004F2110xC004F213Windows can't find its license after a hardware change

What it means

A Windows license is tied to the hardware, so a change such as a new motherboard can stop Windows from matching it.

What to try

  1. Open Settings, System, Activation and select Troubleshoot: it is Microsoft's own tool and it looks for a license linked to your Microsoft account.
  2. Don't reinstall Windows yet. Our warranty doesn't cover reinstalling or changing hardware on RETAIL, CID or MAK Volume Licenses, and an OEM License stays with the first computer you activated it on.
  3. Tell us what changed and when, and we will tell you what can be done.

Message us if you changed the motherboard, disk or processor, or you reinstalled Windows.

Our guides: Warranty, License types

Read Microsoft's page

0x803F7001Windows can't find a valid license

What it means

Windows did not find a valid license to activate the device.

What to try

  1. Open Settings, System, Activation, Change product key.
  2. Type the 25-character key from your license page, with its hyphens.
  3. If this started after changing hardware, see 0xC004F211 on this page.

Message us if the key is typed correctly and the code stays.

Our guides: How to Activate Windows 11, How to Activate Windows 10

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004FC030x8007267CWindows can't reach the activation service

What it means

There is no internet connection, a firewall is blocking activation, or the activation server is temporarily unavailable.

What to try

  1. Check that you are online (open any website).
  2. Make sure no firewall or security program blocks Windows activation, or try another network, such as your phone's hotspot.
  3. Go back to Settings, System, Activation and try Activate again.

Message us if it still fails on a different network.

Our guides: How to Activate Windows 11, How to Activate Windows 10

Read Microsoft's page

0x80072F8FA wrong date or time blocks activation

What it means

The date and time on the PC are wrong, or Windows can't reach the activation service.

What to try

  1. Open Settings, Time and language, Date and time, and turn on setting the time and the time zone automatically.
  2. Run the Windows network troubleshooter, then restart the PC.
  3. Try Activate again.

Message us if the date is right and the code stays.

Our guides: How to Activate Windows 10, How to Activate Windows 11

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004C0120xC004C013, 0xC004C014, 0xC0000272, 0xD0000272, 0xC004E028, 0x87E10BC6The activation service is busy

What it means

The activation server or licensing service is temporarily unavailable, or Windows is already processing an activation request.

What to try

  1. Wait a while and don't start several attempts at once.
  2. For 0xC004C012, 0xC004C013, 0xC004C014, 0xC0000272 and 0xD0000272, nothing else is needed: Windows activates by itself when the service is back.
  3. For 0x87E10BC6, if it persists, open Settings, System, Activation and select Troubleshoot.

Message us if it keeps coming back after a few attempts on different occasions.

Our guides: How to Activate Windows 11, How to Activate Windows 10

Read Microsoft's page

0x80004005Activation failed without a clear reason

What it means

It is a general failure; Microsoft's page gives no specific cause for it.

What to try

  1. Restart the PC and try again.
  2. Open Settings, System, Activation and select Troubleshoot.
  3. Don't reset or reinstall Windows before talking to us: a RETAIL License activation can't be reused after it.

Message us if the troubleshooter doesn't solve it.

Our guides: How to Activate Windows 11, Warranty

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004B100Microsoft won't activate this PC with your MAK

What it means

Microsoft's activation server doesn't accept the Multiple Activation Key (MAK) you entered, so it can't activate this PC with it.

What to try

  1. Check that the key on your PC is the one from your order: open Command Prompt as administrator and run slmgr /dlv. The last five characters of the key are shown next to Partial Product Key.
  2. If they don't match, enter the key again in Settings, System, Activation, Change product key.
  3. Check that the Windows edition in Settings, System, About is the one on your order.

Message us if the code stays with the right key. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: License types

Read Microsoft's page

0x8007007B0x8007251D, 0x80092328Windows looks for a company activation server (KMS)

What it means

Windows is set up to activate with a company activation server, called KMS, and can't find one on your network. At home or in a small office there is no such server, so Windows shows this code until you enter the product key from your order.

What to try

  1. Open Settings, System, Activation, Change product key, and enter the key from your order.
  2. No Change product key option, or using Windows Server? Open Command Prompt as administrator and run slmgr /ipk followed by your key. Then run slmgr /ato.
  3. Check that the Windows edition in Settings, System, About is the one on your order.

Message us if the code stays after entering your key. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: How to Activate Windows 11, How to Activate Windows 10, License types

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004F014No product key is installed

What it means

There is no product key installed on this computer, so Windows has nothing to activate with.

What to try

  1. Open Settings, System, Activation, Change product key, and enter the key from your order.
  2. On Windows Server, or if that option isn't there, open Command Prompt as administrator and run slmgr /ipk followed by your key. Then run slmgr /ato.
  3. To check the result, run slmgr /dlv: License Status should say Licensed.

Message us if Windows doesn't accept the key from your order. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: How to Activate Windows 11, How to Install Windows Server 2019, License types

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004C001Microsoft says your MAK isn't valid

What it means

Microsoft's activation server says the Multiple Activation Key (MAK) you entered isn't valid. Microsoft's first advice is to enter the key again, in case a character was typed wrong.

What to try

  1. Open Settings, System, Activation, Change product key, and enter the key again, copied from your license page.
  2. On Windows Server, or if that option isn't there, open Command Prompt as administrator and run slmgr /ipk followed by your key. Then run slmgr /ato.
  3. If you paste the key, check that the hyphens are normal hyphens and not long dashes, and that the Windows edition in Settings, System, About is the one on your order.

Message us if the code stays with the key typed correctly. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: License types, How to Install Windows Server 2019

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004F051Windows says the product key is blocked

What it means

Windows reports that the product key is blocked: Microsoft's activation service no longer accepts it, so retyping the same key won't activate Windows. According to Microsoft, the fix is to install a new product key and activate again.

What to try

  1. Stop retrying and don't reinstall anything yet.
  2. Tell us right away, with your order number and a screenshot of the full message.
  3. When you have the new key, open Settings, System, Activation, Change product key, and enter it.
  4. On Windows Server, or if that option isn't there, open Command Prompt as administrator and run slmgr /ipk followed by your key. Then run slmgr /ato.

Message us if always, if the code appears. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: How to Activate Windows 11, How to Install Windows Server 2022 and Activate It with a Product Key, Warranty

Read Microsoft's page

0x800704CFWindows says it found no valid license

What it means

Windows did not find a valid license to activate the device.

What to try

  1. Open Settings, System, Activation, Change product key.
  2. Type the 25-character key from your license page, with its hyphens.
  3. If this started after changing hardware, see 0xC004F211 on this page.

Message us if the key is typed correctly and the code stays.

Our guides: How to Activate Windows 11, How to Activate Windows 10

Read Microsoft's page

Permissions in Windows and Office

0x80070005Access denied while activating

What it means

Activation needs administrator permissions that the app or the window you used does not have.

What to try

  1. Sign in to Windows with an administrator account. Close Word or Excel (or the window you were using), right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
  2. In Office, open File, Account, Activate Product (or Reactivate) and follow the prompts.
  3. Update Office: File, Account, Update Options, Update Now.

Message us if the error began right after a Windows update. Microsoft's fix for that case edits the Windows registry, so please let us help before trying it.

Our guides: Office says Unlicensed Product or Product Activation Failed: How to Fix It

Read Microsoft's page

Office activation

0x8004FC12Office says "something went wrong" when activating

What it means

Microsoft lists it for Office activation failing on a PC upgraded to Windows 10 and not fully updated; the page does not name a single root cause.

What to try

  1. Install the latest Windows updates (Settings, Windows Update), then restart.
  2. Open an Office app, go to File, Account and try to activate again.
  3. Don't paste command-line "fixes" from forums: the workaround on Microsoft's page changes system permissions and network settings.

Message us if it still fails after updating Windows.

Our guides: Office says Unlicensed Product or Product Activation Failed: How to Fix It

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004F0740x8007232BOffice looks for a company activation server (KMS)

What it means

Volume editions of Office (Office LTSC 2024, Office LTSC 2021, Office 2019 and Office 2016, Professional Plus or Standard) come with a generic key that looks for a company activation server, called KMS. At home or in a small office there is no such server, so Office shows this code until you enter the product key from your order.

What to try

  1. Open Word, go to File, Account, Change Product Key, enter the key from your order and restart Word.
  2. No Change Product Key option? Open Command Prompt as administrator, go to C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16 (Program Files (x86) if your Office is 32-bit) and run cscript ospp.vbs /inpkey: followed by your key, with no space after the colon. Then run cscript ospp.vbs /act.
  3. If your license is a CID License, finish the activation with the Confirmation ID, as your product's guide shows.

Message us if the code stays after entering your key. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: How to Install and Activate Office 2024 Professional Plus LTSC (MAK), Office Says "Unlicensed Product" or "Product Activation Failed"

Read Microsoft's page

0xC004F02CThe Confirmation ID isn't accepted

What it means

The activation data you entered doesn't have the right format. Usually a digit of the Confirmation ID was typed wrong, or the Confirmation ID was made for a different Installation ID.

What to try

  1. Check blocks A to H of the Confirmation ID, digit by digit, and type it again.
  2. If you reinstalled Office or entered the key again, your Installation ID has changed: copy the new one with our Installation ID Extractor and get a new Confirmation ID, as your product's guide shows.
  3. Use the Confirmation ID on the same PC where you copied the Installation ID.

Message us if a new Confirmation ID isn't accepted either. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: Installation ID Extractor, How to Install and Activate Office 2024 Professional Plus LTSC via CID, How to Install and Activate Office 2021 Professional Plus via CID

Read Microsoft's page

INVALID_PRODUCT_KEYERR_INVALID_TOKENOffice.com/setup doesn't accept your product key

What it means

Microsoft shows this code on office.com/setup when the key has a typo or belongs to a different product, such as a Windows key or a volume license key. That page is for Office linked to a Microsoft account, like a BIND License.

What to try

  1. Copy the key from your license page, or type it again by hand. Microsoft warns that B and 8, G and 6, O and 0, and VV and W are easy to confuse.
  2. Check the license type on your order. CID and MAK Volume Licenses aren't entered on office.com/setup: install Office as your product's guide shows and enter the key in File, Account, Change Product Key.
  3. A Windows key goes in Settings, System, Activation, Change product key, not on office.com/setup.

Message us if the key from your license page still isn't accepted. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: License types, How to Install and Activate Office 2024 Professional Plus LTSC via CID, How to Install and Activate Office 2024 Professional Plus LTSC (MAK)

Read Microsoft's page

0xCAA700070xCAA80000Office 365 can't connect to activate

What it means

Office 365 (Microsoft 365 Apps) shows We are unable to connect right now, with 0xCAA70007 or 0xCAA80000, when it can't reach Microsoft's servers to activate. According to Microsoft, an old version of Windows or Office, a proxy or a firewall, the network settings or old saved Office credentials can cause it.

What to try

  1. Install the Windows updates in Check for updates and restart the PC. Then open Word and go to File, Account, Update Options, Update Now.
  2. If you use a proxy, a firewall or a VPN, make sure it doesn't block Microsoft's sign-in and activation addresses, such as login.microsoftonline.com and activation.sls.microsoft.com.
  3. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands, one at a time: netsh int ip reset, netsh winsock reset. Restart the PC and try again.
  4. Open Credential Manager, Windows Credentials, and remove the MicrosoftOffice16 credentials. Restart the PC, open Word and sign in again with the account from your order.

Message us if Office still can't connect after these steps. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: All How to guides, Warranty

Read Microsoft's page

0x0Office for Mac shows Unknown Error 0x0 or License Not Found

What it means

When you open Word, Excel or another Office app on a Mac, it shows Unknown Error 0x0 or License Not Found. Microsoft lists it as a known issue of Microsoft 365 and Office for Mac, and says that updating Office fixes it.

What to try

  1. Make sure your Mac runs macOS 12 or later.
  2. Quit all Office apps. Open Microsoft AutoUpdate from Finder, Applications. If you don't see it, look in /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/.
  3. Select Update All, or Update next to each app. When the updates finish, open the Office app again.
  4. If you installed Word, Excel or the other apps from the App Store, open the App Store, select Updates and update each Microsoft app.

Message us if the message stays after updating Office. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: All How to guides, License types

Read Microsoft's page

0xD000000COffice for Mac asks you to sign in to a valid account

What it means

When you activate Office on a Mac, it shows The system requires that you sign on to a valid account. The error code is: 0xD000000C. According to Microsoft, it can happen when you signed in to the Mac with a network account, such as an Open Directory account: then Office can't save your sign-in in the keychain, because it is read-only.

What to try

  1. Check that the internet works on the Mac: open your browser and go to www.microsoft.com.
  2. Quit all Office apps. Download and run Microsoft's License removal tool, which removes the Office entries from the keychain. Then open any Office app and follow the activation prompts.
  3. If you signed in to the Mac with a network account, sign out and sign in with a local user account, then activate again. If there is no local account, create one in System Preferences, Users and Groups, and activate from it.

Message us if Office still asks you to sign in after these steps. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: All How to guides, License types

Read Microsoft's page

0xD0001043Office for Mac shows an unknown error when you activate it

What it means

When you activate Office on a Mac, it shows An unknown error has occurred. The error code is 0xD0001043. According to Microsoft, it is a server issue.

What to try

  1. Restart your Mac and activate again.
  2. Quit all Office apps. Download and run Microsoft's License removal tool, then open any Office app and activate again.
  3. If the error stays, uninstall Office for Mac, install it again from your Microsoft account at office.com/signin, restart your Mac and activate Office. Tell us before you uninstall an Office that is already activated: depending on your license type, reinstalling it may need a new activation.

Message us if the error stays after these steps. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: All How to guides, License types

Read Microsoft's page

0xD000001COffice for Mac won't activate because of your Mac's name

What it means

When you activate Office on a Mac, it shows error 0xD000001C. According to Microsoft, your Mac's name contains invalid characters when it is sent to the activation server.

What to try

  1. In the top menu bar, select the Apple icon, System Preferences, Sharing. On recent versions of macOS, select the Apple icon, System Settings, General, About.
  2. In the Computer Name box (Name on recent versions of macOS), change your Mac's name to remove the invalid characters, then close the window.
  3. Restart your Mac and activate Office.

Message us if the error stays after changing the name. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: All How to guides, License types

Read Microsoft's page

Windows installation and updates

0xC1900101with 0x2000c, 0x20017, 0x30018, 0x3000D, 0x4000D, 0x40017Windows setup rolled back, usually because of a driver

What it means

Microsoft describes it as usually a driver error.

What to try

  1. Free up space on the drive (Microsoft asks for 20 GB free for 64-bit Windows) and unplug everything except the mouse, keyboard and screen.
  2. Update the drivers from your hardware maker and look in Device Manager for devices with a yellow warning sign.
  3. Remove third-party antivirus software during setup, then retry.

Message us if setup rolls back again.

Our guides: Installing Windows 11: Step-by-Step Instructions

Read Microsoft's page

0x80070070with 0x50011, 0x50012, 0x60000Not enough free space to install Windows

What it means

The drive does not have enough free space for setup.

What to try

  1. Free up space on the drive by removing apps and files you no longer need.
  2. Retry setup.

Message us if you have plenty of space and the code stays.

Our guides: Installing Windows 11: Step-by-Step Instructions

Read Microsoft's page

0xC1900208with 0x4000CAn app on your PC blocks the upgrade

What it means

An installed app is not compatible with the new Windows and stops setup.

What to try

  1. Open Settings, Apps and uninstall the app that setup named as incompatible.
  2. Restart and run setup again.

Message us if setup doesn't say which app is the problem.

Our guides: Installing Windows 11: Step-by-Step Instructions

Read Microsoft's page

0x800F0922Setup can't reach Windows Update

What it means

The PC could not connect to the Windows Update servers, or the System Reserved partition is too full.

What to try

  1. Disconnect from any VPN and turn its software off.
  2. Retry setup on a stable connection.
  3. If it persists, the System Reserved partition may be the cause: resizing it needs third-party tools and can lose data, so back up first or ask us.

Message us if you suspect the partition. We will guide you before you touch it.

Our guides: Installing Windows 11: Step-by-Step Instructions

Read Microsoft's page

0xC19002000xC1900202 (with 0x20008)Your PC may not meet the requirements

What it means

Microsoft says the PC may not meet the minimum requirements for the version you are installing.

What to try

  1. Compare your PC with Microsoft's list for Windows 11: 4 GB of memory, 64 GB of storage, UEFI with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0 and a compatible 64-bit processor.
  2. If something is missing, a PC that meets the list is the supported route.
  3. We also have a guide for PCs that don't meet it, but Microsoft doesn't support Windows 11 on those PCs and they may not get updates, including security updates.

Message us if you are not sure whether your PC meets the list.

Our guides: How to Install Windows 11 Without TPM 2.0 and UEFI

Read Microsoft's page

0x8007042B(with 0x4000D), 0x800700B7 (with 0x2000a)A background program stopped setup

What it means

A background process or security program interfered with setup.

What to try

  1. For 0x8007042B, do a clean boot (start Windows with only Microsoft's own services) and retry.
  2. For 0x800700B7, uninstall your third-party antivirus or antispyware program for the install, then retry. Install it again afterwards.

Message us if it fails again after both steps.

Our guides: Installing Windows 11: Step-by-Step Instructions

Read Microsoft's page

0x80070002with 0x20009Setup can't find a file: unplug the extra disks

What it means

Setup reports a missing file; Microsoft's advice is to remove the disks that Windows is not being installed on.

What to try

  1. Disconnect or remove the disks that Windows is not being installed on.
  2. Start setup again.

Message us if only one disk is connected and it still fails.

Our guides: Installing Windows 11: Step-by-Step Instructions

Read Microsoft's page

0x800F0831A Windows update fails because the component store is damaged

What it means

Windows Update or a standalone update file (.msu) fails with 0x800F0831 (CBS_E_STORE_CORRUPTION). According to Microsoft, the Windows component store is damaged: a package the update needs is missing, or it isn't fully applied to the registry.

What to try

  1. Back up your files first.
  2. Open C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log and find the KB number of the update that failed.
  3. Search for that KB number in the Microsoft Update Catalog, download the package that matches your Windows version and architecture, and save it in C:\temp.
  4. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: cd \temp, then expand -F:* followed by the name of the .msu file and C:\temp. This gives you a .cab file that matches your Windows version.
  5. If the update is partly installed, remove it with: Dism /online /remove-package /packagepath:C:\temp\ followed by the name of the .cab file. Restart the PC if it asks.
  6. Install it again with: Dism /online /add-package /packagepath:C:\temp\ followed by the name of the .cab file. Restart the PC and try the update again.

Message us if the update still fails or you don't want to run these commands yourself. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: All How to guides, Warranty

Read Microsoft's page

0x80070422Windows Update can't start because its service is turned off

What it means

Windows Update fails with 0x80070422. According to Microsoft, this happens when the Windows Update service isn't running or isn't set to start on its own.

What to try

  1. Press the Windows key and R, type services.msc and press Enter.
  2. Find Windows Update in the list and double-click it.
  3. Set Startup type to Automatic and select Start.
  4. Select OK, restart the PC and run Windows Update again.

Message us if the error comes back after these steps. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: All How to guides, Warranty

Read Microsoft's page

0x800F081F0x80073712A Windows update can't find the files it needs

What it means

Windows Update stops with 0x800F081F or 0x80073712. According to Microsoft, system files that the update needs are missing or damaged, which Microsoft calls component store corruption.

What to try

  1. Back up your files first.
  2. Open Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters and run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
  3. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: sfc /scannow
  4. When it finishes, run: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  5. Run sfc /scannow once more, restart the PC and try the update again.

Message us if the update still fails or you don't want to run these commands yourself. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

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0x80070570A Windows update fails because its files are damaged

What it means

Windows Update stops with 0x80070570. According to Microsoft, Windows can't read the files it needs to install the update. The downloaded update files may be damaged, the component store may be damaged, the disk may have errors, or security software may be getting in the way.

What to try

  1. Back up your files first.
  2. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands, one at a time: net stop wuauserv, net stop bits, rd /s /q %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\Download, net start bits, net start wuauserv
  3. Restart the PC and try the update again.
  4. If it still fails, open Command Prompt as administrator and run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  5. Restart the PC and try again. If it still fails, run: sfc /scannow
  6. If the update still doesn't install, run: chkdsk C: /f /r, confirm that the disk is checked at the next restart and restart the PC.

Message us if the update still fails or you don't want to run these commands yourself. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

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0x80072EE20x80072EFD, 0x80072EFEWindows Update can't reach the update servers

What it means

Windows Update stops with 0x80072EE2, 0x80072EFD or 0x80072EFE. According to Microsoft, the PC couldn't connect to the update servers in time because of a network problem, often a firewall or a proxy that blocks them.

What to try

  1. Check that the PC is connected to the internet.
  2. If you use a firewall, a proxy or a web filter, make sure it doesn't block Microsoft's update addresses, such as update.microsoft.com, windowsupdate.com and download.microsoft.com.
  3. On a company network that gets its updates from WSUS, Configuration Manager or Intune, ask your IT team to check that the PC can reach that update source.
  4. Restart the PC and run Windows Update again.

Message us if the error comes back after these steps. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

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0xC1900107The Windows upgrade needs a restart to finish an earlier cleanup

What it means

The upgrade to a new version of Windows stops with 0xC1900107. According to Microsoft, a cleanup from a previous installation attempt is still pending, and the PC must restart before the upgrade can continue.

What to try

  1. Restart the PC and run setup again.
  2. If the error comes back, press the Windows key, type Disk Cleanup and open it. Clean up the temporary files and the system files.
  3. Run setup again.

Message us if the error comes back after these steps. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: Installing Windows 11: Step-by-Step Instructions

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0x80240034A Windows update stops because its download was interrupted

What it means

Windows Update stops with 0x80240034. According to Microsoft, the operation didn't complete because the download was interrupted.

What to try

  1. Check that the PC has a stable internet connection.
  2. If you use a firewall, a proxy or a web filter, make sure it doesn't block Microsoft's update addresses, such as update.microsoft.com, windowsupdate.com and download.microsoft.com.
  3. Run Windows Update again.

Message us if the error comes back after these steps. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

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Office installation

0-10050-2005Office setup needs administrator rights

What it means

Your Windows account lacks the administrator permissions that the install needs.

What to try

  1. When Windows asks "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?", choose Yes.
  2. Right-click the installer and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Check that User Account Control is turned on in Control Panel, Security and Maintenance.

Message us if you don't have an administrator account on that PC.

Our guides: How to Install and Activate Office 2024 Professional Plus LTSC via CID, How to Uninstall Microsoft Office on Windows, All How to guides

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0-101130088-1015, 30183-1011Office setup fails on the connection or disk space

What it means

Microsoft ties these codes to a network connection problem or a drive running out of space.

What to try

  1. Free up space on the drive, restart, and run the installer again.
  2. Pause your proxy, antivirus and firewall only while Office installs, then turn them back on.
  3. Use a wired connection, or another network such as your phone's hotspot.
  4. If it still fails, remove the partial install with our uninstall guide and install again.

Message us if it fails again with free space and a different network.

Our guides: How to Uninstall Microsoft Office on Windows, All How to guides

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0-101817003-2031, 2035-0Another Office installation is still running

What it means

An earlier install, update or uninstall of Office was still running when you started this one.

What to try

  1. Look for an Office icon in the Windows system tray, open it, and wait for that process to finish.
  2. If there is no icon, restart the PC and run the installer again.
  3. Still failing? Remove the partial install with our uninstall guide, restart, and install again.

Message us if it fails after a clean uninstall.

Our guides: How to Uninstall Microsoft Office on Windows, All How to guides

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30015-1011(1392), 30015-4 (1392)Office setup stops with 30015-4

What it means

Microsoft's page gives no single cause; its fixes target interference from the connection, proxy, firewall or antivirus.

What to try

  1. Save your work, restart the PC and run the installer again.
  2. If it fails again, remove any partial install with our uninstall guide and retry.
  3. See 30125-4 on this page for the network and security steps.

Message us if it fails after a restart and a clean uninstall.

Our guides: How to Uninstall Microsoft Office on Windows, All How to guides

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30125-430125-1011, 30174-4Security software or the network blocks Office setup

What it means

Antivirus software, a firewall, proxy settings or the internet connection can stop the install.

What to try

  1. Restart, then run the installer again.
  2. Use a wired connection, or install from another network such as your phone's hotspot.
  3. Turn off your proxy, antivirus and firewall only while Office installs, then turn them back on.

Message us if it still fails on a different network.

Our guides: All How to guides, How to Uninstall Microsoft Office on Windows

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30088-26Office stops updating with 30088-26

What it means

Office shows "Something went wrong" with this code while it updates. Microsoft's first fix is to repair Office from Windows.

What to try

  1. Right-click Start and open Apps and Features (Installed apps in Windows 11), select your Office product and choose Modify.
  2. Choose Online Repair, then Repair, and follow the steps on screen. The repair covers the whole Office suite, even if only one app has the problem.
  3. When the repair finishes, restart the PC and try the update again.

Message us if the update still fails after the Online Repair. Tell us before you uninstall an Office that is already activated: depending on your license type, reinstalling it may need a new activation.

Our guides: License types, All How to guides

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30068Office setup stops because its service is turned off

What it means

Office shows an error that contains 30068 when it can't finish installing. According to Microsoft, a restart often fixes it; if not, the Microsoft Office Click-to-Run service may be turned off.

What to try

  1. Restart the PC and run the installer again.
  2. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc and select OK. Find Microsoft Office Click-to-Run service and look at its Startup type.
  3. If it says Disabled, right-click the service and choose Properties. On the General tab, set Startup type to Manual or Automatic, select Apply and OK, and run the installer again.
  4. If it still fails, remove the partial install, restart, and install again.

Message us if it fails after a clean uninstall. Tell us before you uninstall an Office that is already activated: depending on your license type, reinstalling it may need a new activation.

Our guides: License types, All How to guides

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30180-4Office setup can't download its files

What it means

Antivirus software, a firewall, proxy settings or the internet connection can stop the install.

What to try

  1. If your product page has a Download tab, install Office with that installer.
  2. Use a wired connection, or install from another network such as your phone's hotspot.
  3. Turn off your proxy, antivirus and firewall only while Office installs, then turn them back on.

Message us if it still fails on a different network.

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30033Office setup stops with 30033

What it means

Office shows an error that contains 30033 when it can't finish installing. Microsoft's fixes target a damaged or partial install and interference from the connection, firewall or antivirus.

What to try

  1. Restart the PC and run the installer again.
  2. If your product page has a Download tab, install Office with that installer.
  3. Right-click Start and open Apps and Features (Installed apps in Windows 11), select your Office product and choose Modify.
  4. Choose Online Repair, then Repair, and follow the steps on screen.
  5. If it still fails, remove the partial install, restart, and install again.
  6. Turn off your antivirus and firewall only while Office installs, then turn them back on.

Message us if it fails after a clean uninstall. Tell us before you uninstall an Office that is already activated: depending on your license type, reinstalling it may need a new activation.

Our guides: License types, All How to guides

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30094Office setup stops with 30094

What it means

Office shows an error that contains 30094 when it can't finish installing. Microsoft's fixes are to clear temporary files, repair Office, or remove it and install it again.

What to try

  1. Run Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files, restart the PC and run the installer again.
  2. If your product page has a Download tab, install Office with that installer.
  3. Right-click Start and open Apps and Features (Installed apps in Windows 11), select your Office product and choose Modify.
  4. Choose Online Repair, then Repair, and follow the steps on screen.
  5. If it still fails, remove the partial install, restart, and install again.

Message us if it fails after a clean uninstall. Tell us before you uninstall an Office that is already activated: depending on your license type, reinstalling it may need a new activation.

Our guides: License types, All How to guides

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30015-6Office shows 30015-6 at the end of setup

What it means

This message can appear at the last stage of the installation. According to Microsoft, Office has probably installed correctly.

What to try

  1. Close the message and look for your Office apps in the Start menu. They may not be inside an Office folder.
  2. Open one of the apps to check that it starts.
  3. If no apps appear, restart the PC.
  4. Right-click Start and open Apps and Features (Installed apps in Windows 11), select your Office product and choose Modify.
  5. Choose Online Repair, then Repair, and follow the steps on screen.

Message us if the apps still don't appear after the repair.

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12002-412007-4, 12152-4Office setup is blocked from downloading

What it means

According to Microsoft, these errors appear when your internet connection, antivirus software, firewall or proxy settings stop Office from installing over the internet.

What to try

  1. If your product page has a Download tab, install Office with that installer.
  2. If you are on Wi-Fi, connect the PC to the network with a cable and try again.
  3. Try another network, such as your phone's hotspot or another home network. Once Office is installed, it works on any network.
  4. Turn off your proxy only while Office installs: open Settings, Network and internet, Proxy, and switch off Automatic proxy setup and Manual proxy setup.
  5. Turn off your antivirus and your firewall only while Office installs, then turn them back on.

Message us if it still fails on a different network.

Our guides: License types, All How to guides

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30145Office setup stops with 30145

What it means

Office shows an error that contains 30145 when it can't finish installing. Microsoft's fixes are to restart and install again, repair Office, or remove it and install it again.

What to try

  1. Save your work, close your programs and restart the PC. Then run the installer again.
  2. Right-click Start and open Apps and Features (Installed apps in Windows 11), select your Office product and choose Modify.
  3. Choose Online Repair, then Repair, and follow the steps on screen.
  4. If it still fails, remove the partial install, restart, and install again.

Message us if it fails after a clean uninstall. Tell us before you uninstall an Office that is already activated: depending on your license type, reinstalling it may need a new activation.

Our guides: License types, All How to guides

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0xC0000142Office apps won't open with 0xC0000142

What it means

Word, Excel, Outlook or another Office app shows The application was unable to start correctly (0xC0000142) and closes. Microsoft's fixes are to update Office, repair it, update Windows, check an Office service, and as a last step remove Office and install it again.

What to try

  1. Update Office: open Task Scheduler and go to Task Scheduler Library, Microsoft, Office. Right-click Office Automatic Updates 2.0 and select Run. If your company manages updates, ask your IT admin instead.
  2. Right-click Start and open Apps and Features (Installed apps in Windows 11), select your Office product and choose Modify.
  3. Choose Online Repair, then Repair, and follow the steps on screen.
  4. Open Settings, Windows Update, and install the available updates.
  5. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc and select OK. Find Office Software Protection Platform, open its Properties and check that Startup type is Automatic. If the service is stopped, select Start. If it isn't in the list, your version of Office doesn't use it: skip this step.
  6. If it still fails, remove Office, restart, and install again.

Message us if it fails after a clean uninstall. Tell us before you uninstall an Office that is already activated: depending on your license type, reinstalling it may need a new activation.

Our guides: License types, All How to guides

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Windows Server and SQL Server

0x80070490Windows Server says the product key didn't work

What it means

Windows didn't accept the key entered in the activation window. Microsoft gives two causes: the key wasn't valid as entered, or a known issue in Windows Server 2019 interfered with checking the key.

What to try

  1. Compare the key with the one on your order, character by character.
  2. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run slmgr /ipk followed by your key. This is Microsoft's workaround for the Windows Server 2019 issue.
  3. Then run slmgr /ato to activate.

Message us if slmgr /ipk doesn't accept the key either. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: How to Install Windows Server 2019, License types

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0xC004F069Windows Server Evaluation doesn't accept your product key

What it means

Your server is running the evaluation version of Windows Server, which installs from the evaluation media. An evaluation doesn't take the product key in Change product key or with slmgr /ipk: first you convert it to the full version with your key, using one DISM command.

What to try

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition. If the edition name includes Eval, such as ServerStandardEval, it's the evaluation.
  2. Run DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions to see which editions you can convert to. According to Microsoft, the Datacenter evaluation can only be converted to Datacenter.
  3. Run DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey: followed by your key and /AcceptEula. For a Datacenter key, use ServerDatacenter instead of ServerStandard. When it finishes, type Y to restart.

Message us if DISM doesn't accept the key from your order. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: How to Install Windows Server 2022 and Activate It with a Product Key, License types

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1605DISM says the product key isn't valid for the edition

What it means

DISM shows Error: 1605 when the product key in the Set-Edition command doesn't match the edition you are converting to, for example a Datacenter key with /Set-Edition:ServerStandard, or a key for another version of Windows Server.

What to try

  1. Check your order: the version (2016, 2019, 2022 or 2025) and the edition (Standard or Datacenter) must be the ones installed on your server.
  2. Run DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions and use the edition name that matches your key: ServerStandard for a Standard key, ServerDatacenter for a Datacenter key.
  3. Run the Set-Edition command again with that edition name and your key, with the dashes.

Message us if the error stays with the edition and the key matching. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: How to Install Windows Server 2022 and Activate It with a Product Key, License types

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0x800F09060x800F0907.NET Framework 3.5 won't install on Windows Server

What it means

Windows Server shows 0x800F0906 when you add the .NET Framework 3.5 feature and the server can't download its files from Windows Update. According to Microsoft, a network, proxy or firewall problem, or a server that gets its updates from WSUS, can cause it. 0x800F0907 means a Group Policy setting doesn't let the server download those files from Windows Update.

What to try

  1. Check that the server is connected to the internet and can open the Microsoft Update website.
  2. Use the installation media of the same Windows Server version as the file source: insert the USB drive or mount the ISO. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /Source:D:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess, with the drive letter of your media instead of D.
  3. Or, in Server Manager, open Add Roles and Features, select .NET Framework 3.5 Features and, on the Confirm installation selections page, select Specify an alternate source path and enter the sources\sxs folder of the media.
  4. On a company network with 0x800F0907, ask your IT team to review the Group Policy setting Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair.

Message us if the feature still doesn't install. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours).

Our guides: How to install and activate Windows Server 2022, How to install Windows Server 2019

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0x851A001A5178, 5179SQL Server won't install or start because of the disk sector size

What it means

SQL Server setup shows 0x851A001A, Wait on the Database Engine recovery handle failed, when the Database Engine can't start. According to Microsoft, this happens when the system disk reports a sector size greater than 4 KB, which no version of SQL Server supports. It is common with NVMe drives on Windows 11, and it can also stop SQL Server from starting after an upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The SQL Server error log then shows error 5178 or 5179.

What to try

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: fsutil fsinfo sectorinfo C: (with the letter of the drive where SQL Server is installed). If PhysicalBytesPerSectorForAtomicity or PhysicalBytesPerSectorForPerformance is greater than 4096, this is the cause.
  2. Back up the registry first. Then, in the same Command Prompt, run Microsoft's command: REG ADD "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\stornvme\Parameters\Device" /v "ForcedPhysicalSectorSizeInBytes" /t REG_MULTI_SZ /d "* 4095" /f
  3. Restart the PC so the change takes effect.
  4. If setup had already failed, uninstall the Database Engine Services feature that failed and run SQL Server setup again.

Message us if SQL Server still doesn't install after the restart. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: How to Install SQL Server 2022 and Enter Your Product Key, License types

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18456SQL Server says login failed for user

What it means

SQL Server shows Login failed for user, error 18456, when it rejects a connection because the sign-in failed. According to Microsoft, common causes are a wrong user name or password, a login that doesn't exist on that server, or SQL Server Authentication used on a server set to Windows Authentication only. The message hides the reason on purpose: the SQL Server error log shows a State number that tells you why (for example, State 8 means the password is incorrect).

What to try

  1. If you sign in with SQL Server Authentication, check the authentication mode: in SQL Server Management Studio, right-click the server name in Object Explorer, select Properties, then Security, choose SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode, select OK and restart SQL Server.
  2. After that change, the sa login is disabled at first (State 7). Enable it only if you need it, with a strong password, as Microsoft explains in its page on changing the server authentication mode.
  3. If you sign in with Windows Authentication as an administrator (State 11), start SQL Server Management Studio with Run as administrator, then add your Windows user as its own login.
  4. Check that the server name, the instance name and the login name are spelled correctly.

Message us if SQL Server setup doesn't accept the product key from your license page. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: How to Install SQL Server 2022 and Enter Your Product Key, License types

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2640SQL Server can't find the server or instance

What it means

SQL Server shows A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server, with error 26 (Error Locating Server/Instance Specified) or error 40 (Could not open a connection to SQL Server). According to Microsoft, common causes are an instance that isn't running, a wrong server or instance name, TCP/IP turned off, or a firewall that blocks the port.

What to try

  1. On the server, open SQL Server Configuration Manager and select SQL Server Services. SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER) is a default instance: its name is the computer name. SQL Server (instance name) is a named instance: its name is computer name\instance name. Type that name exactly when you connect.
  2. If the instance shows a red square, it is stopped: right-click it and select Start.
  3. For a named instance, check that the SQL Server Browser service is running, and start it if it isn't.
  4. To connect from another computer, expand SQL Server Network Configuration and select your instance. If TCP/IP isn't enabled, right-click TCP/IP and select Enable, then restart the instance in SQL Server Services.
  5. Make sure the firewall between the computers that connect and the server allows the SQL Server port (usually TCP 1433 for a default instance) and, for a named instance, UDP port 1434, which SQL Server Browser uses.

Message us if SQL Server setup doesn't accept the product key from your license page. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: How to Install SQL Server 2022 and Enter Your Product Key, License types

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4064SQL Server can't open the login's default database

What it means

SQL Server shows Cannot open user default database. Login failed. (error 4064). According to Microsoft, the default database of that login isn't available (for example, it was removed or detached, it is offline, or it is in single-user mode), or the login has no user in that database, which often happens after a database is moved to another server.

What to try

  1. To connect anyway: in SQL Server Management Studio, select Connect, Database Engine, then Options. Under Connection Properties, in Connect to database, type master if your login is a member of the sysadmin role, otherwise a database you know you can access, and select Connect.
  2. Change the default database of the login: in Object Explorer, go to Security, Logins, open the properties of the login and, on the General page, choose a database that is available. You can also run ALTER LOGIN [LoginName] WITH DEFAULT_DATABASE = master; This needs the ALTER ANY LOGIN permission, which members of the sysadmin role have.
  3. If the default database is offline, bring it back with ALTER DATABASE [DatabaseName] SET ONLINE; If it was left in single-user mode after maintenance, run ALTER DATABASE [DatabaseName] SET MULTI_USER; Only do this if nobody took the database offline or restricted it on purpose. If you are not sure, ask your administrator, or change the default database of the login instead (step 2).
  4. If you moved the database from another server, the login may have no matching user in it: follow Microsoft's steps to fix orphaned users, or create a database user for the login.

Message us if SQL Server setup doesn't accept the product key from your license page. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: How to Install SQL Server 2022 and Enter Your Product Key, License types

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1069The SQL Server service won't start because of a logon failure

What it means

The SQL Server or SQL Server Agent service doesn't start and Windows shows Error 1069: The service did not start due to a logon failure. According to Microsoft, there is a problem with the account the service signs in with: its password changed or is incorrect, the account is disabled or locked out, or it doesn't have the Log on as a service right.

What to try

  1. Open Event Viewer, Windows Logs, System, and look for event 7038 or 7041 from Service Control Manager: its text tells you which cause applies.
  2. If the password of the service account changed or is incorrect: open SQL Server Configuration Manager, select SQL Server Services, right-click the service and select Properties. On the Log On tab, type the current password of the account in This account, select OK and start the service.
  3. If the service uses a local Windows account: open Computer Management (compmgmt.msc), go to Local Users and Groups, Users, and open the account. Clear only the setting that matches the message in the event: Account is disabled, Account is locked out or User must change password at next logon. If an administrator disabled the account on purpose, ask them first. Then select OK and restart the service.
  4. If event 7041 says the logon type isn't granted: open Local Security Policy (secpol.msc), go to Local Policies, User Rights Assignment, and check that the service account has Log on as a service and isn't listed in Deny log on as a service.
  5. If the service uses a domain account, ask your domain administrator to check it in Active Directory, then type the same password in SQL Server Configuration Manager.

Message us if SQL Server setup doesn't accept the product key from your license page. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: How to Install SQL Server 2022 and Enter Your Product Key, License types

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18452SQL Server says the login is from an untrusted domain

What it means

SQL Server shows Login failed. The login is from an untrusted domain and cannot be used with Integrated authentication (error 18452). According to Microsoft, SQL Server can't validate the credentials: the server accepts Windows Authentication only and you used a SQL Server login, the SQL Server login doesn't exist, or Windows can't verify the Windows account, for example because it belongs to an untrusted domain.

What to try

  1. If you sign in with SQL Server Authentication, check the authentication mode: in SQL Server Management Studio, right-click the server name in Object Explorer, select Properties, then Security, choose SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode, select OK and restart SQL Server.
  2. If you sign in with SQL Server Authentication, check that the login exists: in Object Explorer, go to Security, Logins.
  3. If you sign in with Windows Authentication, check that you signed in to Windows on the correct domain.
  4. If the computer and the server are in different domains, the trust between the domains may be the cause. Ask your domain administrator to check it. The setspn and runas commands can test the trust without your application.

Message us if SQL Server setup doesn't accept the product key from your license page. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: How to Install SQL Server 2022 and Enter Your Product Key, License types

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233SQL Server connects, then fails during the login

What it means

SQL Server shows A connection was successfully established with the server, but then an error occurred during the login process, with No process is on the other end of the pipe (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 233). According to Microsoft, SQL Server isn't listening on Shared Memory or Named Pipes.

What to try

  1. On the server, open SQL Server Configuration Manager and select SQL Server Services. If the instance shows a red square, it is stopped: right-click it and select Start.
  2. Expand SQL Server Network Configuration and select your instance. If Shared Memory or Named Pipes isn't enabled, right-click it and select Enable.
  3. In SQL Server Services, right-click the instance and select Restart. The change needs a restart.
  4. Connect again from the same computer as the server, with Windows Authentication. If that works and another computer still can't connect, enable TCP/IP in the same place and restart the instance.

Message us if SQL Server setup doesn't accept the product key from your license page. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: How to Install SQL Server 2022 and Enter Your Product Key, License types

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5120SQL Server can't open a database file

What it means

SQL Server shows Unable to open the physical file, followed by an operating system error (error 5120). According to Microsoft, SQL Server couldn't open a database file, and the operating system error in the message points to the reason. You may see it together with errors 17204 or 17207.

What to try

  1. Read the operating system error in the message. The next steps are for operating system error 5, Access is denied. For any other error, correct that error first and try again.
  2. In File Explorer, right-click the database file named in the message, select Properties and check its permissions. The SQL Server Windows group, with a name like SQLServerMSSQLUser$ComputerName$MSSQLSERVER, needs the required permissions on the file, and that group must include the account that starts the SQL Server service.
  3. To see which account the service uses, open Task Manager and look at the User name of sqlservr.exe. If you changed that account recently, change it again with SQL Server Configuration Manager, which is the way Microsoft supports.
  4. If the error appears when you attach a database or run ALTER DATABASE or CREATE DATABASE, SQL Server may open the file with the account of the login that runs the command. Check the permissions of that account too.
  5. If the database is on network-attached storage and you can't attach it again, follow the separate steps on Microsoft's page.

Message us if SQL Server setup doesn't accept the product key from your license page. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: How to Install SQL Server 2022 and Enter Your Product Key, License types

Read Microsoft's page

Outlook

0x8004010FOutlook can't send or receive email

What it means

Outlook for Windows shows 0x8004010F: Outlook data file cannot be accessed, or 0x8004010F: The operation failed. An object could not be found, when you send or receive email. Microsoft says the cause is a damaged Outlook profile, and that creating a new profile can fix it.

What to try

  1. Close Outlook. Open Control Panel, select Mail, then Show Profiles. Select your profile, then Properties, Data Files, and note the name and location of the default data file (it has a check mark). Select Close.
  2. In the Mail window, on the General tab, select Add, type a name for the new profile and select OK. Type your email account details, select Next and then Finish.
  3. For a POP3 account, choose Manually configure server settings or additional server types, then Internet E-mail. Under Existing Outlook Data File, select Browse and choose the data file you noted in step 1.
  4. On the General tab, select Always use this profile, choose the new profile and select OK. Then open Outlook again.

Message us if Outlook says it is unlicensed or asks you to activate it. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: All How to guides, License types

Read Microsoft's page

0x800CCC0E0x800CCC0D, 0x800CCC0F, 0x800CCC67, 0x80042108, 0x80042109, 0x8004210A, 0x8004210B, 0x80040900, 0x80040119, 0x80040600Outlook can't connect to your email server

What it means

Outlook for Windows can't send or receive email and shows one of these codes, sometimes with a message such as The server could not be found, The connection to the server was interrupted, or Outlook is unable to connect to your outgoing (SMTP) e-mail server. Microsoft lists them together, with the same steps for all of them.

What to try

  1. Look at the bottom of the Outlook window. If it shows Disconnected, Working Offline or Trying to connect, go to the Send/Receive tab and, in the Preferences group, select Work Offline to go back online.
  2. Open a web browser and try www.microsoft.com or www.bing.com. If they don't open, fix your internet connection first.
  3. Open the Outbox and then the oldest message. If it has an attachment over 20 MB, delete the attachment and add a smaller one or a link.
  4. If you changed your email password recently, change it in Outlook too. If your email provider requires an app password, create it on its site and paste it when Outlook asks for the password of the account.
  5. Some antivirus programs scan email and can block sending or receiving: contact your antivirus help desk.
  6. Repair Office, as Microsoft explains in its page on repairing an Office application. Then repair your Outlook profile.
  7. Press the Windows key, type outlook.exe /safe and press Enter. If Outlook sends email in safe mode, create a new Outlook profile.
  8. If your account uses a Personal Folders file (.pst), run the Inbox Repair Tool.

Message us if Outlook says it is unlicensed or asks you to activate it. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Our guides: All How to guides, License types

Read Microsoft's page

Codes and meanings come from Microsoft's own support pages. We explain them in plain language and tell you what to try first with your license.

Still stuck? Send us a screenshot of the full message and your order number on live chat or WhatsApp: we have 24/7 support. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away (MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours). Your statutory rights are not affected.

Quick answers

Short answers about delivery, activation, warranty and license types.

Orders and delivery

How do I receive my license after I pay?

Your license is delivered by email: right after your payment is confirmed, we email you a secure link to your license. Click "Get my license" in that email to see it, together with the download and the activation guide when your product has them. The email never contains the key itself.

I can't find the email with my license. What can I do?

Check your spam or promotions folder and make sure the address on your order is correct. You can also open your license from the order confirmation page, or from My account in the License Keys tab. If it still doesn't show up, message us on live chat or WhatsApp with your order number: we have 24/7 support.

When should I click "Get my license"?

Only reveal your license when you are ready to activate it. It stays saved until you click, whether that is today or months from now, and the activation period starts when you reveal it, not when you buy: 24 hours, or 30 days for MAK Volume Licenses. Once a license is revealed it can no longer be refunded.

I bought several licenses. Do I have to reveal them all at once?

No. On the license page you choose how many to reveal now, and each reveal has its own activation period. The ones you don't reveal stay saved and can still be returned within 30 days of purchase (BIND Licenses excepted). The exception is a key shared by several units: it is revealed whole, and the page tells you before you click.

What does "Your license is being assigned" mean?

It means the license you asked for is not in stock at that moment, and our team is assigning it to you. We email you as soon as it is assigned, and the page tells you how long it can take. When the email "Your license is ready" arrives, click "Get my license" in it to see your license.

Activation

How do I install and activate my software?

Open the guide for your product in the How to section of our Help Center: each one explains the steps for that product and license type. Your product page also has a "How to activate" tab and, when available, a Download tab. A RETAIL, CID, BIND or MAK License is activated differently, so follow the guide that matches yours.

What is a Confirmation ID and how do I get one?

Some Office licenses, the CID Licenses and some RETAIL Licenses, finish activating with a Confirmation ID. In the Office activation window you choose the option Microsoft calls "I want to activate the software by telephone": that is only its name, no call is needed and everything is done online. Use our Installation ID Extractor to copy your Installation ID from a screenshot, then follow the activation guide of your product to get your Confirmation ID.

Windows says my key doesn't match the edition. What should I do?

A Windows key only works with its own edition, so open Settings, System, About and compare it with your order. To go from Home to Pro, follow our two-step guide (Home Single Language is not supported).

Can your team help me install or activate?

Yes. We have 24/7 support: reach us on live chat or WhatsApp, or write to us by email. Send us a screenshot of what you see and your order number, and we will guide you step by step.

Warranty and refunds

What if my license doesn't work?

If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away. MAK Volume Licenses have 30 days instead of 24 hours. A license activated within that time is covered by our lifetime warranty, and accounts and subscriptions are covered for the full length of your plan. Your statutory rights are not affected.

Can I get a refund?

You can ask for a full refund within 30 days of your purchase, as long as you haven't revealed the license. Once a license is revealed it can no longer be refunded, but if it doesn't work we replace it. BIND Licenses are the exception: they can't be cancelled or refunded, whether or not they have been revealed, unless the law of your country requires it. Your statutory rights are not affected.

Does the warranty cover reinstalling Windows or Office?

Not for RETAIL, CID or MAK Volume Licenses: reinstalling or changing hardware uses up that activation, and our warranty doesn't cover it. An OEM License stays with the first computer you activated it on. A BIND License can be reinstalled or moved to a new device for as long as you keep the Microsoft account you linked it to.

License types

What is the difference between RETAIL, OEM, CID, BIND and MAK?

A RETAIL License activates once, online, right inside the app; an OEM License stays with the first computer; a CID License finishes with a Confirmation ID; a BIND License is linked to your Microsoft account; and a MAK Volume License is a volume key for businesses. Every product page shows its type, and our License types page explains each one in detail.

Can I use one license on more than one PC?

Normally one license activates one device. The 5PC products let one key activate up to 5 PCs, and a MAK Volume License activates one computer per activation you ordered. For some Windows and Office products, buying several units can give you the same key several times, and that key activates as many PCs as units you bought.

What happens if I forget my Office 365 password?

An Office 365 account comes as a username and a password, with no key. Sign in within 24 hours of requesting your details, change the password and keep it in a safe place: if you forget it, there is no way to access or recover the account. The email address of the account can't be changed.

Account and invoices

Where do I find my invoice?

Use the "Download invoice" button on your order confirmation page, in your order email or on your license page. Invoices are in US dollars, the currency we always charge in. If you can't find it, message us with your order number.

Can I get a quote for my company?

Yes. On the Request a quote page you build a formal quote in a few clicks and get the document right away, valid for 15 days, and you can accept and pay from it by card or cryptocurrency. A quote does not reserve licenses.

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