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I get this error if I try to activate my 2-month-old Windows installation.

  • I have tried restoring default registry permissions and other things as officially directed by Microsoft - no change.
  • I have tried adding Network Service permissions on the whole Registry/HKU - no change.
  • The computer is not joined to a domain.
  • Plug and Play and Software Protection services are running OK.
  • I am using perfect Windows 7 keys which work everywhere else.
  • I have tried using an elevated command prompt for the slui command - nothing changes.
  • slmgr /ato in an elevated command prompt gives me the same:

0x80070005 acccess denied.

slmgr /dli says:

Line 1333 char 5 permissions denied.

  • I am doing everything as admin and elevated
  • I can not run system repair from the CD since my system is encrypted using 3rd-party encryption software.

This should not be happening. I am using TrueCrypt for full system encryption. I have always used it and everything has always been OK on other installations - the Windows activation mechanism as well as all other programs do not even ever detect that they are all in an encrypted environment. It's always been transparent.

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"I can not do any system repair from CD since my system is encrypted using 3rd party soft" - could this be part of the problem? – Paul Nearney Jun 4 '11 at 19:41
to add info to your question, use the edit link under your question; don't add it as an answer. If you register your account, you will be able to log in and get access to any questions you ask. – nhinkle♦ Jun 4 '11 at 20:21

migrated from stackoverflow.com Jun 4 '11 at 19:41

2 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

I have a couple suggestions. First, I would talk to your encryption provider. It may be that this is the cause of your issue.

If this doesn't work or this isn't the issue, contact Microsoft and open a case with them. They will be able to help you out and since it is an activation issue they should do it for free.

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up vote 1 down vote

Truecrypt recommends that you activate before encrypting. I tested the theory a while back in a VM. Activating an unencrypted XP, Vista, or 7 install works, then after encrypting it stays activated. But sometimes if you encrypt before activating, it will fail. Try decrypting the disk, activating, then re-encrypting the disk. It will take a while, but it may be your only option if a restore is out of the question. Just make sure you set the encryption software to wipe free space during the re-encryption.

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But thats exactly what I did. As usuall, I have installed windows 7, all the updates and activated. I have encrypted it all after that. After 1.5 month, all of a sudden it started asking me about the activation..... – Carlito Jun 5 '11 at 11:08
In that case, try running sfc /scannow from inside Windows (regular or safe mode) with the install disc in the DVD drive. If you have whole-drive encryption rather than partition encryption, you may be able to enter the "Repair Windows" mode from the Windows Boot Manager after authenticating with the encryption software's bootloader. – TuxRug Jun 5 '11 at 22:07

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