I have a desktop with a Pro Upgrade Key, and a laptop with a Core OEM key (both legitimate, both for Windows 8). From my understanding, using WindowsSetupBox to download 8.1 will download a image specific to the edition of Windows you specify (if you enter a Pro key, it'll download a Pro image not usable with Core keys; something like that). Not sure if this is the case with 8.1, but I recall having problems related to this back on 8 (the 8 install image I had from my Desktop wouldn't start installation on my laptop due to key-mismatch). I currently have a 8.1 RTM WZT disc. From my understanding, installing 8.1 from this, and then updating from WU, will put you in the same state as a clean 8.1 install. Is this true (and not just assumed)? If so, do I even have to worry about trying to get a hold of an updated 8.1 image?
Yes, you're right. 8.1 RTM iso from WZT + WU = clean install. M$ probably won't release updated Core/Pro isos, so at least for now WZT + WU is the best way to do a clean install.
Can anyone verify that the above post by the OP in fact you would only get the Pro version and not both Pro & Core????? I do a lot of clean installs and would want both???? I read the other part of the post.
I have tried making the ISO from a PC running the Pro version and I believe the ISO does indeed only contain the Pro version. - created ISO is 3.04 GB, TechNet ISO is 3.60 GB - installation does accept Windows 8.1 Pro generic product key, but does NOT accept Windows 8.1 Core generic product key (''this key doesn't work for this edition of Windows'')
The key to be used to activate windows will determine the version of windows to be downloaded and installed.