[Need Advice] Activate multiple Win8.1Pro WMC Retail Upgrade Key using Sysprep Method

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by axn2014, Aug 13, 2015.

  1. axn2014

    axn2014 MDL Novice

    May 11, 2014
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    Good day. Need advice whether I can use sysprep method to do this.

    Scenario
    Customer has 100+ unit OEM Laptop with Windows 8.1 STD license.
    Customer purchased Win8.1 Pro WMC upgrade key
    Customer Clean Installed Windows 8.1 Pro from the OEM Recovery DVD and tried to use the Retail key to activate but failed.
    Contacted Microsoft and told that the key ONLY work by installing Win8.1STD, get it ACTIVATE then upgrade. (Tested successfully)

    Challenges:
    Unfortunately customer insist on using the OEM Recovery Windows because it will shows the OEM logo.
    Hence building a customer image using Generic Microsoft ISO is a no go.
    Using Upgrade methods take too long (1 hour plus stuck at Adding Features)

    Need advice whether this will work:
    1. Install OEM Windows 8.1 STD and go to Sysprep Audit Mode
    2. Activate the Windows 8.1 STD and Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro WMC using one of the key.
    3. Exit Sysprep Audit and go for OOBE.
    4. Perform Disk Backup for CLONING
    5. RESTORE Image to the rest of the machines one by one
    6. Use SLMGR /IPK to Inject Unique Retail Key for each machine
     
  2. axn2014

    axn2014 MDL Novice

    May 11, 2014
    2
    0
    0
    Can. I tested it. Install the OEM Windows 8.1. Activate. Enter the new key, after restart, it shows Windows 8.1 Pro With Media Center.
    (I don't know the Upgrade key came with WMC, I thought just normal Win 8.1 Pro key as I was told by customer)

    Anyway, the WMC is irrelevant as this is corporate user. Just wanted to know whether the OOBE method + Key injection work or not.

    Thanks.