OK I've already got the free Media Center Key from MS but I haven't used it yet. So let me get this right... if I install Win 8 Pro do I first try to activate it with the key that ends in J8CK4 or do I not try to activate it at all and just use the key I've received in my inbox from MS to get a permanent full activated Win 8 Pro with WMC using the MS KMS server?? - I suspect there's more to it than at as usual
Use mentioned key J8CK4 then use any available KMS HOST to activate slmgr-skms 5.102.152.201:1688 slmgr-ato Then use your WMC Key by clicking ADD Features.
You don't have to activate the Pro install. You can follow the instructions in this post: hxxp://forums.mydigitallife.net/threads/38896-Activate-win8ProWMC-without-first-activate-the-Pro-version?p=660056&viewfull=1#post660056 The instructions work, but are very brief, so they might be difficult if you are not very familiar with the subject. In that case, activating the Pro install with KMS first is easier.
Just a heads up. Start mentioning that and mods will lock/delete the thread a.s.a.p, they've done it before where ppl mention that method of activation.
You need to read the post more carefully. The whole point of the post is that it's a method for skipping the activation of the Pro, and going straight to the "Add Feature" step. So you upgrade to Pro + WMC first, then you add your free key from MS. The key to its success is using the "Default retail" ProWMC key (which allows you to upgrade to WMC without being activated), and adding a data.dat file + your private WMC key after the upgrade.
Ok, so I must be a noob, but explain this to me if someone can. Upgraded from activated Win8 Pro (mooo for 180 days) to Win 8 Pro with WMC with EMailed key from MS and got full activation (legally ?) - presumably from MS servers - 'cuz I had cleared the kms server name as well. When something's too good to be true, it always is. I just cannot get my head around this one. What just happened?
A little loophole in activation as it seems. Simply enjoy. Backup your activation wit Advanced Tokens Manager. With a Win 8 Pro WMC ISO you should be able to restore later . For info check my sig.
These are both .edu servers, btw. 144.216.2.69 is unkkms.unk.edu. I doubt they're going to last as long as Creighton though.