Can I somehow copy the hidden activation files from Windows 8.0 Pro WMC to a Windows 8.1 Pro WMC installation and get it activated?! I have legit keys for Pro 8.0 with WMC but I would like to make a fresh install on a different system but with 8.1... any workarounds or do I just have to wait for windows update to get 8.1 and then copy the activation files... ? Thanks.
if you have a pro retail key, install 8.1 with gvlk and then when you activate enter your real key. You can use retail 8 keys with 8.1, just not for install, must use a generic key to install 8.1. As far as WMC, I haven't bothered with that, I am sure someone will chime in shortly.
Install 8.1 over 8 with provided default key - system will be unactivated. After installation enter your product key - system will be activated. After that you can upgrade your installation to WMC with WMC key. Simple and legit.
You need activate 8.0 w/out wmc with a legit key first, backup data.dat and tokens.dat. You need to read the thread "creating a windows 81. prowmc activated"
Can you not simply install Win8.1 with GVLK, input Win8 retail key after installation to activate Win8.1, and then add WMC and use your WMC key to install that? What you are suggesting requires a current install of Win8 WMC, activated, or a new install of Win8 WMC activated prior to installing Win8.1, just to get the data.dat etc files? That seems a little much using a retail win8 key to activate win8.1. Enterprise I can see the need for the dat files, but for Pro 8.1, it takes Win8 retail keys already, you just need to install with generic key first and then activate it with your retail win8 key. Now the WMC part perhaps requires the dat's, I would need to read the thread as you suggested to see, but as I mentioned I don't use WMC, so maybe the OP can make use of your link. lol
Direct install from 8 wmc to 8.1 wmc isn't possible. It's possible install 8.1 with glvk and activate using retail 8 key as you wrote, and then add the wmc. My mistake is the answer i give is for create a w8.1 wmc activated.
I activated with the install serial number(its an install number not your real one) after it installs then change the serial number to your real win 8.0 serial number check to see if the activation is ok then go to add features and add your real WMC serial number worked like a charm for me hope that helps !!
That only works when you install on the same machine (which is already tested and confirmed by other members), OP wants to do it on different one...
Sure it's possible - have done it yesterday. But you need "Windows 8.1 with Media Center" installation files / ISO (self created) and the generic "Windows 8.1 Media Center key". Then you can direct update "Windows 8 Pro with Media Center" to "Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center" and keep all programs, settings and personal files.
8.1 will not except Win8 retail keys to install, but will except to activate after install. gvlk generic or retail generic keys can be used to install only. Doesn't really matter what key you use to install with, as long as it installs. In the end you still need to change out whatever key you used for install, with the Win8 Retail key to activate.
Right. I understand you have to use an 8.1 key to install it but I just wondered why you recommended the gVLK key specifically. Now I know either of them should be fine.
for the iso creation, youn need a data.dat and tokens.dat first. Direct install without a "modified" dvd isn't possible, it's neccesary install 8.1 pro first (and activate)