Can I reformat/install 8.1 over Win 8 Pro Key?

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by bromanbro, Feb 17, 2015.

  1. bromanbro

    bromanbro MDL Member

    Sep 30, 2012
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    So I don't remember how I did it exacly, but back when Win8 first launched, people could obtain legitimite Win8 Pro Keys with Media Center for free, from MS (a strange loophole). So I did that on 1 machine, and wondering if:

    A - It's safe to update to 8.1...I don't know if MS blacklisted these keys
    B - Format and activate with that key in the future, or wheather that's where it would stop
     
  2. redroad

    redroad MDL Guru

    Dec 2, 2011
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    #2 redroad, Feb 17, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 20, 2017
    A - yes
    B - Yes .. deactivate the key on your W8 install before format and install with generic key on your W8.1 install and then change key to your windows 8 update key

    Deactivation :
    Press Windows key + X
    Click Comman Prompt (Admin)
    At the command prompt, type: slmgr.vbs -upk

    If you add this to "sources" folder from the install retail media you will get a "skip" to click on when prompted for a key in your windows 8.1 install .. If you need help with how to do this just say so

    Code:
    [EditionID]
    Professional
    [Channel]
    Retail
    [VL]
    0
     
  3. bromanbro

    bromanbro MDL Member

    Sep 30, 2012
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    #3 bromanbro, Feb 17, 2015
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2015
    (OP)
    Thanks! just checking though..by generic key, do you mean a KMS key? Are machines licensed this way still connecting to a KMS server?

    edit: Thanks! I'm not planning to format soon, but good to know that the keys weren't blacklisted or anything....MS WERE giving them out after all =)