Error 1401 - Cannot update windows

[Windows Central Question]

Hi. After I got a Blue-Screen situation, I had to restart my laptop manually. Then after I boot windows, I cannot neither update my windows nor installing/updating any other software.

Today I tried to update my graphic card, I downloaded the auto detect from AMD website and it downloaded the setup and everything but it couldn't install the new driver due to this 1401 insufficient problem.

Looking forward to having your kind help

 

[Sina Mousavi]

@davidhk129
It is a pre-installed windows.
@Josiah23
I'm using desktop browser, couldn't find any button or anything. I'll keep using @
Actually I have been following online solutions since I have had the code error "1401" but they couldn't solve anything so far.
The Only thing I can say is that when I use "Clean Boot" it seems everything work almost fine. The repair thing should be my last chance but as I don't know my Product Key it's quite risky

 

[davidhk129]

Source :
https://www.howtogeek.com/186775/how-to-download-windows-7-8-and-8.1-installation-media-legally/

excerpt :
Download the Windows 7 SP1 ISO Directly From Microsoft’s Website

Microsoft makes the Windows 7 SP1 ISO available for direct download through their site. The only catch is that you’ll need a valid product key in order to download the file–and OEM keys (like the one that came on a sticker under your laptop) won’t work. If that’s you, proceed to the next section.

If you do have a valid retail key, head to the Windows 7 download page, enter your product key, and click “Verify” to start the download process.

 

[davidhk129]

Sina Mousavi

Since your Win 7 came with the computer, the product key should be there.
Was it worn out over times and you can't read it ?

For a desktop, the key is either at the side or at the back.
For a laptop, it should be at the bottom if you turn it over.

I can help you get a pre-installed Win 7 SP1 iso Legally, but it's no good to you if you don't have the product key.

 

[Sina Mousavi]

@davidhk129
Well since I don't own a Windows disk and just happen to have a laptop with an installed windows on it, hence I don't have ay Product key and that sticker under my laptop is completely ruined and unreadable [Probably wouldn't need that anyway] I am thinking maybe I can download an ISO file from the web and then try to activate it by some activation patch or something ?
Not really principal but I reckon it's my only chance

 

[Josiah23]

Since your Win 7 came with the computer, the product key should be there.
Was it worn out over times and you can't read it ?

For a desktop, the key is either at the side or at the back.
For a laptop, it should be at the bottom if you turn it over.

Yup what he said

Try this to find your Product Key if it's not on your PC/Laptop. (It should be on there though if it's stock)

https://www.google.com/amp/www.thewindowsclub.com/find-windows-product-key/amp

Ps: Forgive me for the URL name...
https://www.techporn.ph/finding-your-windows-product-key-is-easy-heres-how/

 

[davidhk129]

@davidhk129
Well since I don't own a Windows disk and just happen to have a laptop with an installed windows on it, hence I don't have ay Product key and that sticker under my laptop is completely ruined and unreadable [Probably wouldn't need that anyway] I am thinking maybe I can download an ISO file from the web and then try to activate it by some activation patch or something ?
Not really principal but I reckon it's my only chance

The CATCH is you cannot activate without a valid product key.
I don't quite remember the step-by-step procedures. My recollection is that when you start to install with the iso, you will be asked for a product key. Without the key entered, you cannot continue.

It was suggested to you to talk to Microsoft Support people for your product key. You probably will have to provide all the necessary documents proofing you are the legal owner. I never try that route, so I can't say for sure what are required.
Give it a try if that is your only way out.

 

[Josiah23]

@davidhk129
Well since I don't own a Windows disk and just happen to have a laptop with an installed windows on it, hence I don't have ay Product key and that sticker under my laptop is completely ruined and unreadable [Probably wouldn't need that anyway] I am thinking maybe I can download an ISO file from the web and then try to activate it by some activation patch or something ?
Not really principal but I reckon it's my only chance

I sent you a PM @Sina Mousavi

 

[Josiah23]

The CATCH is you cannot activate without a valid product key.
I don't quite remember the step-by-step procedures. My recollection is that when you start to install with the iso, you will be asked for a product key. Without the key entered, you cannot continue.

It was suggested to you to talk to Microsoft Support people for your product key. You probably will have to provide all the necessary documents proofing you are the legal owner. I never try that route, so I can't say for sure what are required.
Give it a try if that is your only way out.

Windows 7 allows you to skip the activation process for later if you have it on a flash drive or DVD.

Windows 8/8.1 although NEEDS the product key before you can even install it on the PC.

 

[Sina Mousavi]

@Josiah23
Worked like a charm! By Windows PowerShell I could find my Product ID and Product Key! Thanks man
@davidhk129
I followed @Josiah23 instructor and now I have my Product Key

PS. This editor quite sucks , I am a pro blogger don't think less of me

 

[Josiah23]

@Josiah23
Worked like a charm! By Windows PowerShell I could find my Product ID and Product Key! Thanks man
@davidhk129
I followed @Josiah23 instructor and now I have my Product Key

PS. This editor quite sucks , I am a pro blogger don't think less of me

Nice!!!! I'm glad it worked for you

I'm not sure why I didn't think of the PowerShell earlier.

 

[davidhk129]

@Josiah23
Worked like a charm! By Windows PowerShell I could find my Product ID and Product Key! Thanks man

@davidhk129
I followed @Josiah23 instructor and now I have my Product Key

PS. This editor quite sucks , I am a pro blogger don't think less of me

Are you sure that is your product key and not just the computer manufacturer key used to mas produce the computers ?
Any way you can positively prove that ?
Thank you.

My understanding has been that there is no program that can retrieve the pre-installed key.

 

[Sina Mousavi]

@davidhk129
Right now I don't now. I'm trying to download the ISO file now. When I'm done with it I would put the Product Key in it which I could find with this instructor => goo.gl/WFkBkA
I'll let you know what happens

 

[davidhk129]

@davidhk129
Right now I don't now. I'm trying to download the ISO file now. When I'm done with it I would put the Product Key in it which I could find with this instructor => goo.gl/WFkBkA
I'll let you know what happens

Where do you find a website that offers Win 7 SP1 iso file ?
Don't forget. Your Win 7 is pre-installed.

 

[Josiah23]

Where do you find a website that offers Win 7 SP1 iso file ?
Don't forget. Your Win 7 is pre-installed.

I sent you a PM also

 

[Sina Mousavi]

@davidhk129
Well you were the one who sent me the link to get the ISO file, following this link :
https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-iso-download-tool
Now I'm downloading the Win 7 Home Premium SP1 ISO file, and I hope the Product key works fine with it.

 

[Sina Mousavi]

@Josiah23 @davidhk129
Update : Well I burnt a bootable USB out of that ISO and try to repair my windows.
When I set the language and then clicked on "Repair" it showed an error of this:

And when I just out of curiosity clicked on "Recovery" to see what happens it showed another error:

Then I tried to just come back to windows but apparantly some Boot error didn't let me boot my windows through HDD. I had to come back to USB ISO and as it recommended to me try to repair the error and restart the system. Now I happily got back here to see what's your opinion

 

[davidhk129]

I apologize.

I cannot assist you any further.

Good luck.

 

[Josiah23]

@Sina Mousavi
Alright so, quick question, are you able to boot your laptop back into Windows?

 

[Sina Mousavi]

@davidhk129
Cheers mate
@Josiah23
Yep, that's how I'm here now

 

[Josiah23]

@Sina Mousavi

Do you have any way of backing up your data to an external device, such as another flash drive or HDD? Like documents, applications + app data, etc...

I was thinking maybe you could back up important stuff, and wipe the drive (maybe not quite yet)

How do you normally install Windows? From booting off the USB or clicking the "setup.exe" in File Explorer in Windows itself?