Like the title says, I have a legit Windows 8 Pro key which works on "en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440.iso". I've downloaded "Windows_8.1_EN-US_x64.ISO" which is the Core/Pro version posted in the stickies repository but it won't accept my key. What's going on?
Check the stickies, you need a generic key to install and once setup is complete insert your legit key.
"doesn't work" you must activate windows by phone. (slui 4 after add key slui 3) Work: activate online.
Repeated so many times, but again: My experience: Install win 8.1 with trial keys, then activate online with win 8 key. No need for phone.
Doesn't accept the key during setup so no way to actually install it for it to be activated by phone. Jessica Alba's trick did the job.
Got an OEM key from BIOS. Installed Core with install key provided in another thread. Changed key to the one I got from BIOS. "Your key does not work" slmgr -ato error "Contact Systems Administrator" Nice puzzle
Maybe dumb question. I have an Upgrade Key ($40) used in last December for upgrading W7 to W8 Pro then WMC with Free WMC key (All legit). What is the best way to make a fresh new installation of Windows 8.1 Pro + WMC on the same hardware, without installing first Windows 7. ?? Is the old trick Installing twice over still working ? Or the registry hack ? The machine is Home made, no OEM Bios problem. Thanks for any advice
Forget about windows 7 and 8.0, fresh install windows 8.1 pro with generic key (not with legit 8.0 key), then activate it with legit 8.0 key, then activate WMC with legit WMC key.
Thanks, Yes I already know that way. But what will happened with an Upgrade Key ? Can I activate a Full version 8.1 on clean install ?
I activated my windows pro 8.1WMC, and current 8.1 pro is full version 8.1 pro, byte by byte, hash by hash.
I added the following ei.cfg file to the iso:- [Channel] _Default [VL] 0 It no longer asks me to enter in a product key on install and just asks for the key once windows has been installed - I enter in my Windows 8 Retail key and hey presto Windows is activated, I don't have to fart around changing keys or phone activation
No problem if you installed Windows 8 before on the smae PC. When you log into your acoount and your settings are synced, you can use your upgrade keys to activate both Winfows 8.1 and WMC.
Thanks to this forum the puzzle is solved. Installed single language OEM Core edition with provided install key. Put my own key and activation said key already being used. Called phone activation, and voila, activated.