It sounds like you are experiencing issues with the activation of Windows on the laptops you received. Here are some steps you can take to resolve activation problems:
- Check Internet Connectivity: Ensure that the laptops are connected to the internet. Activation requires a connection to the Microsoft Activation service.
- Use Elevated Command Prompt: Make sure to run the activation command in an elevated Command Prompt. You can do this by right-clicking on Command Prompt and selecting "Run as administrator".
- Re-enter the Activation Key: If the activation keys have been reset, you may need to re-enter them. Use the command
slmgr /ato <Activation ID>where<Activation ID>is the activation ID of the ESU key. - Check for Updates: Ensure that all Windows updates are installed, as updates can sometimes resolve activation issues.
- Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT): If you are using VAMT for activation, ensure that the correct proxy activation URLs are included in the allow list. You can also consider using Phone activation as an alternative if direct internet activation is not possible.
- Contact Microsoft Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers for assistance. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and help with any licensing issues.
These steps should help you address the activation issues you are facing with the laptops.
References: