How can I do a clean (reformat) install of Windows 8.1?

You need to enter the generic product key for your version (Core of Pro) during the installation of 8.1, but afterwards you can change it to your own key and it should activate.

 

I didn't think a download of the ISO was available/possible without buying a copy!

 

Generic key do not work, you have to use a genuine one.

 

I used this to download the ISO via the Microsoft site: eightforums[dot]com/installation-setup/33164-how-download-windows-8-1-iso.html

During installation you enter the generic key. After installation, Windows won't be activated and you will have the option to change the key. You should then enter your own key.

I tried this yesterday and it worked.

 

sure can

 

Since you already have a legit Windows 8 key, just download/install the 8.1 RTM, install using the generic installation key, and activate with your retail key. Update to GA roll-up & you're done.

 

First point : That is what i'm saying to download 8.1 from websetup you can not use a generic key, but a genuine one
Second point : If you already have the 8.1 iso and only a W8 key then you can use generic key for installation and use slmgr -ipk to enter the W8 key for activation.

 

Why do people always say this? this is nonsense.

Dude, use your own key that you bought, I've done it many times, upgrade or clean install it does not matter it will activate.

There is no reason whatsoever to use a "generic key", although if you do one too many installs you will be forced to activate via phone.

One thing I would recommend is that when you are done is to download a copy of Advance Token Manager, it'll save you from having to enter that long assed product key in the future and having to call the MS phone activation center.

 

this is no nonsens. You only can do your install when entering a generic key first and then use your W8 key for free activation.
If you own a legal 8.1 key, then you can ship around the input of generic key first

 

If you have a legit key for Windows 8 why would you want to go through all the hassle of some generic key that will probably give you nothing but trouble or headaches?

Here is the best legitimate way to install your free upgrade to Windows 8.1:
Do a clean / reformatted install of Windows 8 using the key that you bought from the upgrade from Windows 7 (yes your upgrade key will still work and activate on a clean install also) >** Install all Windows 8 updates (there are about 64 of them)> Reboot > Go to the Windows store by clicking or tapping on the Windows Store green tile on the Windows 8 start page and you will see the upgrade to Windows 8.1.

I did the very same thing last night using the upgrade key that I purchased for Windows 8 back in February, it works and there is no need to use any "generic key", the whole process to install Windows 8 took about 45 min - 1 hr plus another 30 min. or so to complete Windows 8 updates. The update to Windows 8.1 however will all depend on your download speed, Windows 8.1 is a 3+ GB download.

** If you do not do the Windows updates on Windows 8 you will not see the Windows 8.1 free upgrade in the Windows store.

BTW - you can also dual boot a Windows 8 upgrade if you do a clean install. Others here told me I couldn't unless I had an oem copy of 8. Well I did a clean install of an upgrade copy of 8 last night on a separate partition and I now have a dual boot Windows 8.1 / Windows 7 machine.

 

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Can you use a genuine key just to get the download going through websetup? Then use the Windows 8 upgrade key to install/activate?

 

The best, easiest, trouble free way to install 8.1 is to have or install 8 then install 8.1 on top of it, either by .iso or download from the Windows store.

I really do not understand and fail to see why you want to go through all of the hassle using some generic key when you already have one for Windows 8, all you are doing is asking for trouble.

But then if you want to take the hard way through it so be it ..........

 

are you serious? Why installing 8 first and then upgrade to 8.1. Simply do a clean install with 8.1, insert generic key when prompted, overwrite it with your legal 8 key and install > activated. No need to make two installations

 

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