Windows 8 / 8.1 Update not accepting BIOS key?

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by johnye_pt, Oct 9, 2014.

  1. johnye_pt

    johnye_pt MDL Addicted

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    #1 johnye_pt, Oct 9, 2014
    I'm trying to do a clean install of Windows 8.x x64 on an HP Envy 14-2020ep, but for some reason it's not accepting the key from BIOS. It originally came with Windows 7 Home Premium x64.

    I'm using a USB flash drive created with a couple of rmprepusb tutorials, it contains several Windows ISOs from XP to 8.x, among them Windows 8 x64 (pp_windows_8_x64_dvd_915432.iso) and Windows 8.1 Update x64 (pp_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4048346.iso). It allows me to install Windows 8 by asking/detecting key, forcibly install Core or forcibly install Professional by automatically adding a key before booting ISO.

    I tried all methods without success: 1st one asks for key instead of detecting it from BIOS, and claims it's invalid in both Windows 8 and 8.1U after typing it. Forcibly installing Windows 8.1U Core or Pro and then changing the key to the one in BIOS also claims it's invalid. I'm yet to try installing Windows 8 Core and Pro directly and them using the key, but somehow I think that's also going to fail.

    I got the key by installing RW-Everything on Windows 7, then went to ACPI / MSDM and took note of it. Could this key be for Windows 7 instead of 8? I never heard of Windows 7 keys in BIOS, but with MS everything is possible.
     
  2. LostED

    LostED SVF Patch Lover

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    #2 LostED, Oct 9, 2014
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  3. johnye_pt

    johnye_pt MDL Addicted

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    #3 johnye_pt, Oct 9, 2014 (OP)
    It originally came with Windows 7 Home Premium x64. That tutorial seems to apply only to Windows 8.x -> 8.x, not Windows 7 -> 8.x.

    I'm starting to wonder if the key only applies to upgrades from 7 to 8.x, instead of clean installs...
     
  4. bfc_xxx

    bfc_xxx MDL Junior Member

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    #4 bfc_xxx, Oct 9, 2014
    Your bios key is windows 7. It won't work with 8 or 8.1.
     
  5. johnye_pt

    johnye_pt MDL Addicted

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    #5 johnye_pt, Oct 9, 2014 (OP)
    I didn't know Windows 7 keys were also being inserted in BIOS. Live and learn...

    I also found an HP page to check compatibility with Windows 8 by entering the Product Number, amazingly it says this laptop is not tested with Windows 8, yet the drivers page contains drivers for Windows 7 x64 and Windows 8 x64. LOL?