Problem. upgrade to Windows 10

I have a used HP desktop, came without hdd. Win7 label characters on box was right rubbed off.
I placed a hdd and got Win7 Pro installed and activated on the computer using Raymond tool (HAL9000)

then I was trying to upgrade (NOT clean-install) to Win 10. started no any problems. (Win 10 Pro) installing until end, at end of upgrade, Windows pop-up a message, error of missing Windows key. therefore its upgrade failed. (restored Win 7 Pro).

Can this computer be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro? or have to be staying on Win 7. no free upgrade?

Thanks,

What's the exact serial number(S/N) and product number(P/N) on that HP desktop?

If Windows 7 Professional SP1 had legally been activated in that HP desktop, you should've been able to upgrade it to Windows 10 Pro and activate it.

Because you activated Windows 7 by other means, it's my guess that's why Windows 10 failed to activate.

It's HP Elite 8200 CMT

It's with a COA label on box. but really no way to read it except "Pro OA".

Thanks SIW2,

It works for my HP Win 7 Pro.

I did fresh-install Win 7 Pro again and took your tool to activate Windows. It's noticed that Win 7 activation is with HP OEM SLP key (While HAL9000 key is computer-specified).

Weekend I am going to re-install/upgrade Win 10 and will post back the result. hopefully it can be upgraded to Win 11. I did test Win 11 saves memory a little. and runs fast a little, for this old HP computer.

Update

Win 10/11 install/upgrade went through smoothly in my test. Computer activation: Win 11/10 Pro. Windows is activated with a digital license


Thank SIW2 for your help,

When using the installation media You have to use a windows 7 retail key when downgrading to windows 10.

You can also create a bootable USB with the installation media and you won’t be required to enter a product key