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Sunday, September 23, 2012

Windows 8 couldn't be activated - the file name, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect

I was recently setting up my Windows 8 Enterprise inside a Hyper V server doing my mini-network lab. When I tried activating it, I encountered an error telling me that "Windows couldn't be activated, Error 0x8007007B - The file name, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect".

























So, even though how many times I tried activating it the results are still the same - it couldn't be activated for some reason. The solution? We need to manually input the proper license key in order for us to activate the OS.


So how do we fix this? Here's how:

1. First, open an elevated Command Prompt by running it as an administrator. Go to your Start screen and type in "CMD"










2. Next, right click on it and choose "Run as administrator". The command prompt will run in an elevated privilege.


































3. In the command prompt, type in the following command - slmgr.vbs /ipk [[25-digit license key]], then press enter.
4. Windows will prompt you if the installation of the license key was successful. You should see an image like this.











5. Next, it's time to activate Windows. To activate your Windows 8, type in the following command - slmgr.vbs /ato. That command will activate your Windows 8 and Windows will prompt you if the activation was successful.












6. Congratulations! Your Windows 8 copy is now activated!

























Still having problems activating your Windows 8 OS? Post your inquiries here.
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20 comments:

  1. UnknownSeptember 24, 2012 at 11:01 PM

    Your the man I encountered this and I followed your steps and it is working now...

    ReplyDelete
  2. vieJanuary 18, 2013 at 9:07 PM

    it didn't work on my win8.. error 0x8007007B, the filename directory name or volume label syntax is incorrect.please help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. .:: RB ::.January 22, 2013 at 12:39 PM

      Hi vie. Did you follow all the instructions I posted here? It should work, make sure to run the CMD prompt "as administrator" and make sure that the license key you enter is correct.

      You can also take a screenshot and post it here

      Delete
  3. sameer khanMarch 23, 2013 at 4:18 PM

    Hi it didn't also work for me .Its giving me error as
    "Activating Windows (R) Enterprise N edition (e14497e7-800a-4cf7-ad10-de4b45b578db) Error 0x8007007B the filename ,directory name or volume label syntax is incorrect.(SWbemObjectEx)

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownApril 4, 2013 at 10:03 PM

    i aiso have the same problem which sameer khan have!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. .:: RB ::.April 24, 2013 at 1:41 AM

    Sameer and Agam,

    Can you post a screenshot so that I can further analyze the error?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 24, 2013 at 1:53 AM

      same problem this error message appear
      http://prntscr.com/16atp

      Delete
    2. UnknownJune 8, 2015 at 3:19 AM

      I also have the same problem
      http://prntscr.com/7e9u0o

      Delete
  6. AnonymousMay 24, 2013 at 1:44 AM

    HI RB this error disappear .. help me please
    http://prntscr.com/16atpz

    ReplyDelete
  7. .:: RB ::.May 24, 2013 at 5:53 PM

    Try running the command prompt in an elevated privilege and put in your serial key again.

    ReplyDelete
  8. .:: RB ::.May 29, 2013 at 5:18 PM

    There are two possibilities for this error, it is either you did not run CMD in an elevated command or the serial key you used is not a valid key for your specific Windows 8 OS.

    Let me know how it will go and I will be glad to help you out.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Bill AllenSeptember 6, 2013 at 11:02 PM

    Works great for Windows Server 2012 as well. I've successfully used this twice. Thanks for posting this info.

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownMarch 19, 2014 at 9:52 PM

    it didn't work for me, I've opened CMD as adim. It says succesful but it still isn't acitvated. and when I try to activate it the 'normal' way I still get the error.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. .:: RB ::.March 25, 2014 at 1:02 AM

      Delete the keys again from your system, boot in safe mode with networking then try activating your license again.

      Delete
  11. Azcreul-ajMarch 19, 2014 at 10:59 PM

    after i follow ur instruction, when step 6, it apear: Windows Script Host
    Activiting Windows(R), Professional edition
    (XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX)
    Error: 0x8007007B The filename ,directory name or volume label syntax is incorrect.(SWbemObjectEx)

    I followed that step :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. .:: RB ::.March 25, 2014 at 1:05 AM

      The root cause of this error is you may have used a volume-licensed key. Try these steps to further resolve your issue:

      https://support.microsoft.com/kb/929826

      Delete
  12. UnknownMarch 23, 2014 at 5:06 AM

    Register Your Window Easy from this Special Crack.Its Work On Each type Of Window.Free Download Now

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousApril 14, 2014 at 3:28 PM

    Hi RB,
    To follow the above steps, I need to know the Windows Product key. Where can I find this windows key in my laptop.
    FYI: Its a new Dell laptop with windows 8 installed. Its asking me to activate the windows, and when I try to activate it, I am getting the above error message.
    Can you please help me in activating my windows 8?

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousMarch 30, 2022 at 8:05 PM

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