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Question

Can't activate Windows 10

Mar 26, 2016 4:05AM PDT

I took the plunge the other day and upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7. A few minor issues, but all went well (so I thought). Computer is working. I can access all my folders, email, internet with no problem. However, when I try to use any of the Windows 10 apps, I can't connect.

I followed all instructions. Backed up hard drive and created restore disc. I installed using Media Creation Tool.

I have googled problem and tried numerous remedies with no results. I tried activating with product key from Windows 7, but I keep getting that activation service is down or no connection.

I'm obviously connected or I wouldn't be posting here.

Any suggestions?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Were there any antivirus or firewalls installed?
Mar 26, 2016 8:42AM PDT

At the time of the upgrades I do I uninstall antivirus and firewall apps. I can't list all such things like VPNs, hot spot shields so use your noggin about what apps these are.

Since the browsers work, I wonder what's up.

Also, some of the apps demand you use the new email login for those to work. My fix? I don't use those apps.

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yes, there were
Mar 26, 2016 11:02AM PDT

Instructions never said to either disable or uninstall antivirus and/or firewall.
So I didn't. Will I have to uninstall Windows 10 and reinstall?

What new email login? I logged into Windows live email with same logins that I always use.

I was able to log into MS support forums on Chrome using my MS login and password. But I tried to log into something else on one of the apps and couldn't. Just keeps telling me to check connection.

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It's something you learn or hear from others.
Mar 26, 2016 11:09AM PDT

Here's a web link about the new email login system. Remember I will not use it except on a guinea pig machine since, well, I don't agree with the terms and don't like what it does.

Remember that many W10 apps will fail if you don't use this new system.
https://www.infopackets.com/news/9650/how-disable-windows-10-email-login

Again, if you are using a local login, many of the W10 apps fail. And again, this is why I don't use many of the supplied W10 apps.

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Windows email login
Mar 26, 2016 12:43PM PDT

Where do I even find the windows email login? I understand that you don't use it and why.

I don't care about the apps so much. But....I can't even check for updates!

Maybe if I use a windows e-mail login, I could access a few things.

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What are those THINGS?
Mar 26, 2016 1:05PM PDT

Since you kept the AV and firewall, well you have that to try without.

And as to THINGS, besides Windows Update what else doesn't work?

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Things
Mar 26, 2016 1:59PM PDT

Things are: Edge, mail, weather, store, updates, solitaire, skype, etc.

All of those things tell me I'm not connected to internet and I don't have an account, even thought I found the sign in. I signed in and it still tells me I'm not connected.

Extremely frustrating. I will run the repair upgrade with AV and firewall disabled or uninstalled.

Thanks for help.

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Many of those would outright fail on upgrade
Mar 26, 2016 2:07PM PDT

And my thought is that it's even more assured if you kept the AV+firewall across the upgrade.

LET ME PICK ON --> MAIL <--

This app is well, so bad that I suggest you promptly forget you ever saw it. For it to work you must use the new Windows Email based login. That is all over the web but I don't expect it to function with a local login.

Forget it and go get Thunderbird.

And when you do, go get it with Ninite.com HERE'S WHY!!!

-> http://www.howtogeek.com/201354/ninite-is-the-only-safe-place-to-get-windows-freeware/

The same issue happened here with W10 apps, Mail, Store, Skype and since I can't tell which Solitaire you have it could be the awful one in the Microsoft Store with the ad supported model and it could be blocked up for the reasons we've been dancing around here about.

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Upgrade failures
Mar 26, 2016 3:19PM PDT

I didn't say I wanted to use the mail, just that I can't access ANY of it. I don't even play solitaire, so that's really not an issue.

The only thing that really concerns me is the updates.

I have not tried Thunderbird in a long time. The last time, I couldn't get it to work right. But after I get everything straightened out, I'll give it another try.

Thank you very much for the suggestions.

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Same here. I can't access Mail and some of those apps.
Mar 26, 2016 3:26PM PDT

Microsoft doesn't think that's broken. They think it's part of their grand design.

So here, if I launch Mail, I go nowhere fast.

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Answer
Win7 was activated and...
Mar 26, 2016 10:16AM PDT

you upgrade win10 on the same computer? Then I would worry about it. Give MS a little time.

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(NT) I meant...I wouldn't worry about it.
Mar 26, 2016 10:19AM PDT
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Same computer
Mar 26, 2016 11:03AM PDT

Yes....I upgraded on the same computer that I had Windows 7 on.

Not really "worried" about it, but I'd like to use the features. Not only that, I can't even access Windows Update!

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Just curious.
Mar 26, 2016 11:23AM PDT

What feature are we talking about?

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Update, for one.
Mar 26, 2016 12:44PM PDT

Can't run windows update at all.

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Since it had an antivirus or firewall and update to 10
Mar 26, 2016 11:40AM PDT

These are known to cause issues with W10 after the update.

Rather than go on and on, my solution was from other techs that we chatted about this at length and decided it's best to clean up the PC before the W10 upgrade. If it's after the fact we uninstall the AV and firewall, VPNs and such then try again. Some clients can't handle this so you give them time to season.

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antivirus and firewall
Mar 26, 2016 12:46PM PDT

So....should I go back to Windows 7, uninstall antivirus and firewall, and reinstall Windows 10?

I'm not very tech savvy, but I can follow instructions.

Thanks.

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Or you save yourself a lot of work
Mar 26, 2016 1:03PM PDT

And uninstall those now and see if it straightens out.

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uninstalling av and firewall
Mar 27, 2016 10:18AM PDT

My son will be here in a bit and he's going to help me with it. If we uninstall those and it straightens out, will it still be straightened out when they're reinstalled?

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The future in unclear.
Mar 27, 2016 11:45AM PDT

I will share that when this happens I change AV or well, not. Today I use Windows Defender as its scores well now then for added shields Web Of Trust and Adblock+