Unable to activate Windows 8.1

I had to reset my Windows 8 laptop to factory settings because an application downloaded from the Microsoft official page totally ruined the OS and now I cannot activate Windows. When I enter product code in an elevated command prompt I receive a WindowsScriptHost error:

"Run slui.exe on a computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition 0x2a 0x80070426 to display the error text".

Google told me to check for Software Protection service - when I try to start it, I get: Error 5-access denied, although I am administrator.

Can anyone please help - there must be a solution other than formatting? I am using Windows 8.1 64b on Dell Inspiron laptop.

The error 0x80070426 means ERROR_SERVICE_NOT_ACTIVE - The service has not been started. Run the services MMC snapin (services.msc) as admin (rightclick and select run as admin) and make sure the Software Protection service is not configured as disabled. Set it to automatic and start the service.

You can try reinitializing the slui activation system - Press windows+R and type slui 3 into the run bar. This will allow you to run activation again and reenter your activation code.

However, since your system reset did not complete properly, the problems you are seeing are probably a result of a corrupt or failed installation. I recommend you do a clean installation of Windows 8.

You can download Windows 8 or 8.1 from Windows legally as long as you have a genuine product key. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows8 and download the media creation tool + ISO (if you cannot download through this website then let me know and I will direct you to other links). You will have to do this from a friend's computer. Remember to backup all your files before formatting the drive.

Once you have gone through the whole process of installing, Windows should activate automatically. However, if it does not activate automatically, press windows+R and type slui 3 into the run bar. This will allow you to run activation again.