Hi all, I would like to know if it is at all possible to perform a clean install of Windows 8.1 Pro RTM, using an upgrade (from win7) edition of Windows 8 pro install key? (legit) Is it as simple as just typing in the upgrade key in to the Win 8.1 setup, or do you have to install Win 8.1 with a different key, then activate it using the upgrade key??? Many thanks in advance. UPDATE... I was able to perform a clean install simply by typing in my legit Windows 8 Pro upgrade key when prompted during setup. After getting to the desktop, Windows reports that it is activated. So yes, you can perform a clean install of Windows 8.1 using a legit Windows 8 Upgrade Key.
There are a couple of threads on the subject. You will need to find one of them to obtain the default key. Obtain the default 8.1 key for your version of windows (core or pro), install with THAT key, upon rebooting into windows for the first time change the key to your retail key and activate by phone. If your key is an upgrade key you may need to perform the old registry hack to force it to accept and activate with your retail key.
Keep in mind "installation" key and "activation" key are 2 completely different things. Since you have the upgrade key (Win 8 Pro Upgrade) it can be used to activate your Win8.1 Pro once it's been installed onto hard drive. (I used the my legit Win 8 Pro Upgrade key to activate via phone) So what you need to do find the proper installation key to when you attempt to install 8.1 because it will be required before it can be installed onto the hard drive. As Dolorous Edd stated, you have to search either in this forum or the internet to find the workable key. It really shouldn't be that hard.
We had received a DMCA takedown request to remove the W8.0 generic keys. We actually allow to post generic keys. Concerning w8.1 we have no DMCA received (yet). Also we have received one for the w8 download links. For w8.1 not (yet). The behavior of those requesters is not reasonable, though. We have our rules, but we cooperate as well. I hope this sheds some light on how we administrate.
OK Guys, thanks to all for helping... I just wanted to post that I was able to simply type in the Windows 8 Pro upgrade key during setup. It completed setup, and when I got to the desktop, Windows reported that it is activated.