Microsoft Windows 7 Activation/Update Error Code 0x80072F8F (Solved)

This blog post is about the Microsoft Windows Activation/Update Error Code 0x80072F8F.

Introduction
I reinstalled Windows 7 Pro on a Dell computer and wanted to activate and update the operation system, but I was presented with the errors above and below.

Some research pointed me towards making sure the BIOS and Windows 7 date and time were correct. For me the solution was to phone the automated activation helpline. Below I will share my experience of making the phone call.

I activated over the phone
I phoned the automated activation helpline automated phone system and even though I’ve been using Microsoft products for many years, it was the first time I called.

I didn’t have to wait in a telephone queue and I found it to be easy to use. I was impressed by the service and was presented with two solutions. The route I took was to type in a series of numbers on my screen and then enter a lengthy series read out to me in segments.

So one moment I had three days left until activation with an error 80072F8F and then with a phone call, the result was ‘Activation was successful’.

What I will do next
Now that my Windows 7 installation has been activated and confirmed genuine, I think it’s a good opportunity for me to perform a image backup of my hard drive.

Conclusion
I spent too long looking for a solution, when picking up the phone solved my problem. I am used to bad or lengthy customer service experiences with other companies, but Microsoft’s activation service was great and simple to use. I wish I had made the phone call sooner.