I had to reformat a laptop that had Windows 8.1 Pro (laptop has a sticker Windows 8), I did not backup the tokens (didn't know about that). I used the iso for multiple editions, but during install I was not asked to select version, and it installed 8 standard. And in all cases, Windows is not activated. I got the key from the bios, but when I enter it in the slui 3 it says not usable. Tried using KMSPico, it also says bios key found, skipping... What other solutions are there? can I force the installation of pro and use the bios key?
I didn't know the 8.1 multiple editions iso used the oemm bioskey to activate like win10 10586 and up can do. So every time you install with the 8.1 Multiple Editions iso you end up with home (because of the bioskey), but you want to install pro? You have to use an ei.cfg that either points at pro or gives you a choice to install pro. You also could install home, and upgrade to pro (or even pro-wmc by changing the productkey to pro or pro-wmc and then activate with a kms solution.
He wants pro on that laptop, why pointing at csl? He only can't use the oemm bioskey for it, because it's not for pro.
@Enthousiast I'm not pointing him to CSL, but discussing the possible case where his statement is wrong ("a laptop that had Windows 8.1 Pro (laptop has a sticker Windows 8)").
The key parser gives me: Core means Windows 8.1 standard? which iso do I need? I am quite sure the System properties said pro, here is says core. And anyway, it doesn't matter, I am only looking to get an officially activated Windows on that laptop.
@mcbyte Which ISO did you use? Mention the MSDN name. If you use IR3/IR5 8.1 MSDN multiple editions ISO, then it'll detect the OEM: DM key & activate automatically after being online. On the other hand, you can also use 10 (preferably 14393) multiple editions ISO too, to get a valid digital entitlement for lifetime for this particular PC.
I had this iso downloaded long ago: en_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4065090.iso I also have these: Windows_8.1_EN-US_x64.ISO en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440.iso
@Enthousiast @mcbyte "Edition Type: Core" clearly says that the OEM: DM key is for Core SKU, so CoreSingleLanguage would do nothing. We need the exact error message after doing slmgr.vbs /ato.
I'll get this on Monday, the laptop in question is at the office.... Thanks in advance .... great answers....