[How To] Activate Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center RTM

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by NoOne2000, Aug 29, 2013.

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  1. Majestic

    Majestic MDL Junior Member

    Aug 3, 2008
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    Yes, I thought as well it is only logical to use the unactivated computer to run Slui.exe.
    It was the guide to disconnect from the internet throughout that confused me.:confused:

    Thanks for the reply.:biggrin:
     
  2. murphy78

    murphy78 MDL DISM Enthusiast

    Nov 18, 2012
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    You don't need to disconnect from the internet at all.
    Running SLUI 3 will change keys with the GUI
    Running SLUI 4 will bring up the phone activation window.

    There's no need to play with your internet connection.
     
  3. cardex88

    cardex88 MDL Novice

    Sep 24, 2012
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    nice guide.

    i'll try it after done with making the win 8.1 AOI
     
  4. shinji

    shinji MDL Novice

    Sep 27, 2009
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    I used the first key on the op post then was able to use my Windows 8 and Windows 8 MCE keys after just fine. Thanks.

    P.S. - Make sure you use your original Windows 8 key first! The MCE key is an addon key. In the end you should see "Windows 8.1 with Media Center". If you have Windows 8 Pro key then it will have Pro right after the 8.1 bit.
     
  5. Majestic

    Majestic MDL Junior Member

    Aug 3, 2008
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    Okie noted.
     
  6. Boops

    Boops MDL Addicted

    Jan 5, 2008
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    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  7. secured2k

    secured2k MDL Novice

    Feb 4, 2011
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    Chiming in...
    Using the temporary keys in the first post worked for me. After a restart, I used one of my WMC keys from Microsoft and activated successfully over the phone.
     
  8. RedSun

    RedSun MDL Novice

    Sep 16, 2013
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    I activated my 8.1 Pro and added the WMC pack. Now I can't activate the WMC. Can I reset it to 8.1 pro and input my activated codes? Or I'll have to do a clean 8.1 pro install? I still keep the activation codes and they work well.

    I'm sure if I can make 8.1 pro w/ WMC to plain 8.1 pro, the WMC would stop working, right?
     
  9. LQQL

    LQQL MDL Addicted

    Apr 21, 2009
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    Ofc. In plain Win 8.1 PRO is no WMC at all.
     
  10. kelorgo

    kelorgo MDL Addicted

    Oct 29, 2012
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    You have to reinstall, it's not possible to "downgrade" the WMC feature, once enabled.
     
  11. murphy78

    murphy78 MDL DISM Enthusiast

    Nov 18, 2012
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    I believe that even using the registry edit to change ntversion stuff would probably not properly keep any program files and settings, right?
    Sorry, I really shouldn't chime in with such an empty speculation, but you always seem to be good about actually testing things rather than talking out your ass like a lot of us do :p

    I was wondering if you had thoughts on the regedit up/down stuff
     
  12. mrzoidberg

    mrzoidberg MDL Novice

    Sep 16, 2013
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    Hi guys,
    Trying to use this method. I also have now W8 + free WMC key upgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro Preview with Media Center. From the start post and other posts I didn't get where should I look for data.dat. Is it ok to use it from my current system?
    Thanks for any info.
     
  13. RedSun

    RedSun MDL Novice

    Sep 16, 2013
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    I gave up on the 8.1 pro | WMC. It is not worth the effort to figure out how my WMC key would not work. There are so many other media players that I can use in place of WMC. I put in my WMC and some of my friends' WMC keys and none of them worked.
     
  14. LQQL

    LQQL MDL Addicted

    Apr 21, 2009
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    Free giveaway WMC keys had to be used until a specific date. Otherwise they went useless and can't activate anymore. So, that's why.
     
  15. mxn81

    mxn81 MDL Novice

    Sep 13, 2011
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    help me to activate windows 8.1, unable to active with pasetbin keys
     
  16. deltajose

    deltajose MDL Novice

    Aug 15, 2009
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    Hello

    Your keys are blocked yesterday, it works at 5 P.M. and at 8 P.M. the in phone tell me "your keys are not valid....).. :eek:

    I 've tryed many keys (find on Internet) same result ... can you help me..;)

    THANKS ....
    nice place to exchange...
     
  17. kelorgo

    kelorgo MDL Addicted

    Oct 29, 2012
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    There is the problem. Random keys on the Internet get blocked very quickly.
     
  18. murphy78

    murphy78 MDL DISM Enthusiast

    Nov 18, 2012
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    This is not a warez forum. Please stop talking about finding other people's keys on the internet.
     
  19. KPbICMAH

    KPbICMAH MDL Novice

    Nov 2, 2011
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    Followed your guide to the letter: Did a clean install of 8.1 Pro x64 with provided key, upgraded to WMC successfully, downloaded and copied data.dat file. However, when I try to add my very own and personal :) 'MS promo' key for WMC, I get error 0xC004F601 and Win 8.1 complains the key doesn't work, try another key. This key was initially activated before Jan 31 deadline; later I used it when I reinstalled Win8 (going from x86 to x64 after a memory upgrade), and it also worked. Now it doesn't work with the guide you provided.

    I did search around the Web and found two 'data.dat' files, one just 36K, the other is 320K, neither works. I also tried my own data.dat from Win 8.1 preview, which didn't help either. Then I also used another free WMC key, which has not been activated by Jan 31 - same problem.

    Is there any specific 'data.dat' that I should be looking for?