Encountering error codes on your Windows operating system can be frustrating, especially when they seem cryptic and obscure. One such error, 0x8007007B, often manifests when attempting to activate Windows. This Error code 0x8007007B indicates an issue with the activation process, typically related to a mismatch between the product key and the version of Windows installed. Here, we delve into the details of what causes this error and provide practical steps to resolve it.
What is Error Code 0x8007007B?
Error code 0x8007007B is specifically associated with Windows activation problems. When you try to activate Windows, either during installation or afterwards, you may see this error message:
“Windows couldn’t be activated. Key management services (KMS) host could not be located in the domain name system (DNS), please have your system administrator verify that a KMS is published correctly in DNS.”
Causes of Error 0x8007007B
- Incorrect Product Key: The most common cause is entering an incorrect product key during the installation or activation of Windows.
- Version Mismatch: Attempting to activate using a product key for a different version of Windows than the one installed (e.g., using a Home edition key for a Pro edition installation).
- DNS Issues: Problems with the Domain Name System (DNS) that prevent Windows from locating the Key Management Services (KMS) host.
How to Resolve Error Code 0x8007007B
1: Verify and Enter the Correct Product Key
- Check the Product Key: Ensure that you have the correct product key for your version of Windows. It should be printed on a sticker on your device or included with your Windows installation media.
- Re-enter the Product Key: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and click on Change product key. Enter the correct product key and follow the prompts to activate Windows.
2: Use the Command Prompt (Admin)
- Open Command Prompt: Right-click on the Start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin).
- Enter the Activation Command: Type the following command and press Enter:
slmgr.vbs /ipk <your_product_key>
Replace
<your_product_key>with your actual product key. - Activate Windows: After entering the command, press Enter. Wait for the confirmation message and then restart your computer.
3: Use the Activation Troubleshooter
- Open Settings: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Run the Troubleshooter: Click on Troubleshoot and follow the prompts in the Activation Troubleshooter to detect and resolve activation problems.
4: Check DNS Settings
- Verify DNS Configuration: Ensure that your computer can correctly resolve DNS names. This can be done by checking your network settings or contacting your network administrator.
- Flush DNS Cache: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type:
ipconfig /flushdns
Press Enter to clear the DNS resolver cache.
Conclusion:
If you’ve tried everything else and still can’t fix the problem, it’s time to reach out to Microsoft Support. They’re there to help and can give you specific advice based on what’s going on with your system. They might have some tricks up their sleeve that we haven’t covered here.
Our experts can help you out. Just chat with them and they’ll sort it out for you. If you want to know how to get support, you can ask the Tech who’s online right now.