Registry fix to install Win 8.1 over Server 2012 R2?

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by Stilez, Dec 20, 2014.

  1. Stilez

    Stilez MDL Novice

    Sep 16, 2009
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    A few years ago, when people wanted to upgrade Windows 7 and found that the Win 8 install DVD wouldn't let their edition of it be upgraded, a common workaround was to modify the Win 7 registry entries so that for installer purposes, it looked like one of the editions it had been programmed to accept.

    So people would change Win 7 Ultimate to have reg entries matching Win 7 Professional, to allow them to move to a (legitimate) Win 8 setup without losing their settings and software.

    I can't find the registry entries, and I would like to switch a Server 2012 R2 install to Windows 8.1 - the system's been largely used as a client not a server so I'd like to fully switch it to a client OS in this direct way.

    Does anyone know what reg edits are needed to allow in-place install keeping existing stuff, instead of a complete reinstall?
     
  2. Stilez

    Stilez MDL Novice

    Sep 16, 2009
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    #3 Stilez, Dec 20, 2014
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2014
    (OP)
    Saw that thread, but didn't see an answer in it, to the question asked - sorry!

    UpDown8 doesn't say that it handles a Server source system (the info only mentions client Windows 8 systems AFAIK), and I'd really prefer a simple raw list of regedits if possible - no need for a program to put a handful of regedits through :)

    Which is why I asked :D
     
  3. abbodi1406

    abbodi1406 MDL KB0000001

    Feb 19, 2011
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    Click on "posted a manual way" link
     
  4. Stilez

    Stilez MDL Novice

    Sep 16, 2009
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    Thanks - I missed that link!

    Do you happen to know if changing EditionID + ProductName is still all that's needed to allow an in-place "upgrade" install to run, of Server 2012/21012 R2 to an 8.1 client OS?

    (I'm okay with a risk of issues from not being a "normal" upgrade, but I'd like to try the in-place first anyhow.)
     
  5. abbodi1406

    abbodi1406 MDL KB0000001

    Feb 19, 2011
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    No, didn't try the trick in any form