8.1rtm x64 wont activate

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by bluc, Oct 16, 2013.

  1. bluc

    bluc MDL Novice

    Nov 12, 2011
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    Hey all having some issues. I installed windows 8.1 x64 and used a key from another site to get it installed I was then supposed to use my windows 8 key to activate it but it wont accept it it says : you cant use that key to activate this copy of windows" any ideas? The windows 8 key is for windows 8 pro upgrade. I downloaded the windows 8.1 iso from here cheers
     
  2. coleoptere2007

    coleoptere2007 MDL Guru

    Apr 8, 2008
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    If the key you used was a genuine one for windows 8 (not a key collected on bad sites) i don't see what is the problem then.
     
  3. bluc

    bluc MDL Novice

    Nov 12, 2011
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    Definately a legit windows 8 key I bought it direct from microsoft at launch :( It wont let me change the key from the one I used to get it installed to my own key.
     
  4. kelorgo

    kelorgo MDL Addicted

    Oct 29, 2012
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    The key you entered during installation may have been a Windows 8 Core key, so you may have ended up installing Core instead of Pro. It will then not accept your legitimate Windows 8 Pro key.
     
  5. MSDNAA

    MSDNAA MDL Senior Member

    Aug 6, 2013
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  6. bluc

    bluc MDL Novice

    Nov 12, 2011
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    ok so I am guessing I have to reinstall and find a pro key to get it installed? Then switch to my own number?
     
  7. coleoptere2007

    coleoptere2007 MDL Guru

    Apr 8, 2008
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    Then launch 8.1 dvd/usb within windows 8 by setup.exe, choose upgrade without internet connection. Once done open a command prompt as admin and type slmgr -ipk followed by your product key, then activate online. ;)
     
  8. PaulDesmond

    PaulDesmond MDL Magnet

    Aug 6, 2009
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    like Kelorgo said, you entered the core key instead pro during setup. You must reinstall by entering generic pro key and then you can use your own key for activation
     
  9. MSDNAA

    MSDNAA MDL Senior Member

    Aug 6, 2013
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    There are different reasons, check which edition you have installed and make sure you use the proper key.
    Type the following command in order to view the error details in the command prompt as admin.

    slui.exe 0x2a 0xC004F069

    Thanks
     
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  10. bluc

    bluc MDL Novice

    Nov 12, 2011
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    When I paste that in cmd I get an error has occured contact microsoft to resolve the problem. In system it does not say Windows 8.1 pro. It just says windows 8.1. If I try running the installer from within windows it says I already have windows 8.1 installed. it says I can add features can I change it to pro that way or do I have to boot off usb and format then reinstall?
     
  11. PaulDesmond

    PaulDesmond MDL Magnet

    Aug 6, 2009
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    read message #9
     
  12. bluc

    bluc MDL Novice

    Nov 12, 2011
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    I got it done. I used the add features feture in the installer started from within windows I put the pro key in I found on the net, it updated to pro I then changed key to my windows 8 one and it activated all done thanks for the help cheers
     
  13. coleoptere2007

    coleoptere2007 MDL Guru

    Apr 8, 2008
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    good to know, thx for feedback :)
     
  14. bluc

    bluc MDL Novice

    Nov 12, 2011
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    No probs cheers and thanks again :bye1:
     
  15. bamse

    bamse MDL Novice

    Dec 16, 2009
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    i get no responce from kms server error. and i have tried #8 and used the pro key, not core.
     
  16. PaulDesmond

    PaulDesmond MDL Magnet

    Aug 6, 2009
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    there is no server yet responding to 8.1 because of the new V6 protocol