After the release of Windows 8, more users are switching to the new OS. One of the early reported problems is the issues related to activation error 0xC004F074. After installing, you are supposed to activate windows. But some users have reported an error code 0xC004F074 during the time of activation.
This error code appears only during the time of activation when the Software Licensing Service reports that it cannot activate the product key since the Key Management Service cannot be contacted.
The steps below will help you fix the problem easily. This can also be tried for the error code 0x8007232B.
1) Open cmd(command prompt) with administrator rights
2) Type slmgr.vbs –ipk xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (x should be replaced by your 25 digit product key)
3) Hit enter
4) Type slmgr.vbs –ato (This will change the product key)
5) Hit enter
Another method for fixing activation error 0xC004F074
1) Start -> Run ->Type Slui 3 (Slui 4 for activating by phone)
2) Enter Product key
3) Click Activate
Other methods to try
The issue might be with corrupt system files. Run an SFC scan.
