Can't shrink HDD partition or create new one Windows 8.1

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jkteddy77

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Jun 13, 2013
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I reinstallled windows on a new SSD on with a new mobo and cpu. I now have a 4790k and asus z97 pro and Samsung 840 evo.
Upon reinstalling windows 8.1 into the SSD, my old install, and the current install both have the Windows 8.1 build 9600 watermark in them, and both of them are no longer activated by Windows?

I need to delete the old windows install I am told, but I need to partition my 2TB HDD, create a new 700gb partition or so, take all my steam games and origi games off, and then delete the old partition with windows on it so I can run off the SSD and use data from this new HDD partition.

Windows Disk Management stops responding when I try to shrink the current HDD's partition at all, so I can't even create a new partition to get my old data off. I have no other HDD's to manually pull it off as well.

Very odd that even my old windows installation isn't activated as well... is it because I am using a new MOBO and CPU? What should I do? what can I do to get my wanted data back and get windows to activate my currrent Windows 8.1 OEM product key?
 
Solution
spooky2th
You might not be able to activate windows on another MB. product key is only good for one comp. You could get away with it if your new MB was identical or very similar, the same manufacturer etc.

Download Partition Wizard for the partitioning problem. Should work.
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drtweak

drtweak

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Sep 17, 2012
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Yes. When you change the motherboard you lose activation. Windows binds your Key with 10 different things about your PC most of them on the motherboard and as long as that doesn't change then you're usually ok. This is why no matter which one you are using its showing as not activated. You would have to go back in and activate it and if it doesn't activate it you will have to call in and get it reactacivated. Also if you are using an OEM product key even calling in might not even help. with OEM its mean for that PC and that PC ONLY. Maybe if you call in you might get luckly and someone might let you activate but i doubt it. OEM keys aren't meant for upgrading. They are meant for things like OEM PC's like Dell, HP, Ect where you don't upgrade that kind of stuff. You may have to buy a Retail version of Windows 8.1.

Also your new version is on the SSD but where is the old windows? On the 2TB?
 
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spooky2th

spooky2th

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May 18, 2010
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You might not be able to activate windows on another MB. product key is only good for one comp. You could get away with it if your new MB was identical or very similar, the same manufacturer etc.

Download Partition Wizard for the partitioning problem. Should work.
 
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Solution
J

jkteddy77

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Jun 13, 2013
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Alright, so I couldn't use windows, but I used Ease partition to split it up. I'm moving my data back over. I called in, got my windows reactivated luckily, but I am still seeing this Windows 8.1 Build 9600 watermark in the lower corner of my screen... Also, when I move a window, it leaves an outline of inversed color where it was until I drop the window... Is this a glitch in windows? the watermark and the color issue? or does windows still not think its activated? it said activation succesful though...
 
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J

jkteddy77

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So I had to call Microsoft, but I got my Windows copy reactivated and the watermark is gone.

I also had to use a 3rd party partition program since It seemed Microsoft's Partition manager couldn't handle my 2TB drive 0_o... It would stop responding immediately if I tried to change it.'

Finally got it all sorted out though, I'll be back here if something like this pops up again, but I think its all resolved. Thanks for helping though.
 
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drtweak

drtweak

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Sep 17, 2012
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Great to hear. Suprised they let you reactivate an OEM Key on a different board. I think its more about who you get when you call in. I've heard stories of some people calling in and they just won't let them reactivate it. They hang up, call back, and keep doing until they get someone who will help them.
 
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jkteddy77

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I reached an automative tech assistant, they ask one question
"how many PC's have you installed this on?"
I said 1 of course...
BAM! free reactivation xD
 
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