How could you transfer files if Win 8 was not working...it is the Operating system. By the way I hate it..(Win8) with a passion...it gives me constant problems but I don't understand what you mean by activate. Could you go into more detail?

I can't help with your problems but I do sympathize. We're buying a new computer and the 1st item on our list is Windows 7. Hopefully Ravencajun will check in and offer advice.

DH got a new laptop a month ago....and it has that horrid Windows 8.
My laptop is showing wear, but I refuse to get another until MS puts out an OS that is not a poor clone of the APPLE products (which are designed for those with an IQ in the 2 digit range).

I am kind of stupid when it comes to stuff like this but I just don't think this should be this hard.

Every time I log on, it says I need to go to my settings to activate windows 8. When I push the button that it gives me, it takes me to a page that says "windows cannot activate at this time, please try again later. If it persists, contact Microsoft support". Some times it says I have to Buy windows 8 with a button to purchase. It is already installed just not activated.

Some things work and others will say that I have to "activate windows" in order to use that particular feature.

Microsoft actually took control of my computer and they couldn't figure out how to activate it either. They said it was HP's error and that they failed to activate it when they installed it. HP didn't have a clue and told me to return the computer. This after being on hold for over an hour with them. They never even attempted to help.

I personally would return it if you are having these types of problems brand new.
I caution you about trying to wipe out your information because they could use that action against you, I would just go file by file and delete them and empty the recycle bin.
I am going to ask Corrine to see if she has any ideas.

Against me?

I just don't want to leave all my information on this computer. Passwords, files, music, pictures etc. All the stuff that transferred from my other computer.

How do I get rid of that?

See link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Windows can't activate right now.

Thanks Chemocurl but I don't have the product key because Windows 8 was pre installed. You only get the key if you were to buy it separate and upload it on an existing computer. At least that's what the girl at Microsoft told me.

I meant they may say you had made changes to the operating system by wiping things off the pc, you know how they love to pass the blame and try to get out of fixing things. But yes I definitely agree you want all your personal info off of it, but it may take doing it one thing at a time and not a wipe clean procedure.

If she had Microsoft try to do the activation I am sure they went through all the normal procedures especially since they took control of the pc.

You've posted this in two different forums, better next time to choose just one.

I'm not sure what your gripe is with Windows 8. You said Microsoft told you that HP had installed Windows wrong, and HP suggested you return it. Sounds to me like the problem is with HP and they've admitted it?

HP's quality has been plummeting in recent years. My company (which buys thousands of PCs every year) stopped buying their laptops several years ago because of persistent quality problems. There are periodic rumors that HP may drop or dispose of their PC business and they seem to be running it as if they'd lost interest in it. When you return it, see if you can replace it with one from a manufacturer with a better current reputation.

Where did you purchase the computer from -- a private source or a big box store like BestBuy? If a private source, it could be pirated. If from a big box store, definitely return it ASAP.

To make the next transfer a bit easier, move all your personal files off the computer to a USB so they'll be in one place. Create a new account with a name and password you wouldn't use and delete the account you created.

"You've posted this in two different forums"

Yes I did.

Thanks Raven.

So I should just go to my install/uninstall and do it that way?

Good idea Corrine. My son will be home tomorrow and He will know how to do that.

"I don't have the product key because Windows 8 was pre installed.

The product key # should be on a decal affixed to the side or back of the computer tower. If it is not, I would question where and from whom you bought the computer. This is common procedure these days for pre-installed systems since most suppliers no longer supply the system disk. Not supplying the product key # in one form or another is illegal if the purchase is from a reputable source. Return to your supplier if you, indeed, do not have the product # affixed to the tower.

It's a laptop so no tower, No decal anywhere either.

I bought it at Sam's Club.

I went in and manually deleted my stuff. Hopefully I got everything off.

I just hope Sam's club doesn't give me problems.

If you're still interested in keeping the laptop...follow the directions on the page linked below and you should get a product # to activate your system.

Here is a link that might be useful: HP Help Site

magic,

You probably know this, but I thought I would mention that "deleted" files aren't in fact deleted and remain easily accessible. There is software you can use to wipe off traces of former files, but until that's done or the space is overwritten, they're all still there and can be read with common recovery programs.

No evil doer much cares about media files, but if the passwords have any financial importance to you, it might be easier to simply change them.

When you install a new version of Windows, it will run for a given number of days before quiting. The new copy has to be registered with MicroSoft and activated. After this, updates will be sent during the support period for the product and it will run. Your porblem: You need the activation key. That should have been supplied by the seller. It could be on a sticker on the computer, or a sticker on the recovery disk.

Bang the seller over the head and ask for the key or tell you where it is. If they fein no knowledge, return the unit, ask for your money back, and log a complaint with the corporate office about that store.

Have you checked in the System Properties for the Key Code? I have an Asus laptop with pre-installed Win8 (which I like, BTW), and my Key Code is shown right there. Not sure all laptop manufacturer's have it there, but it's worth a check.

I hear that an update is comming identified as version 8.1 It brings back the "start" button.

Wonderful news, sarcastically said since I'm buying a new desk top tomorrow with Windows 8 which I dread, and we were thinking of an HP Pavilon.

The system Properties said Not available.

HP did not do something right and I did return it.

Thinking of an ASUS. The computer geek at Sams said it was a really good computer.