I installed windows 10 preview on my laptop to test it out. After I was done I tried to reinstall windows 8.1 but it won't activate using the key I have. I bought a lenovo with windows 8 (not 8.1) already installed. My product key ends in OEMM How can I install windows 8 or 8.1 and activate it using the key in the bios? I thought I was able to do this in the past?
Edition Type : Core Description : Win 8 RTM Core OEMM Edition ID : X18-15561 Key Type : OEMM EULA : OEM Crypto ID : 1796 So I need to find X18-15561?
Since it is no Single language, every standard MS ISO should work. Use the MediaCreator from MS to download 'Windows 8.1' and let the tool prepare an usb.
Could it be because I upgraded my wifi card and altered the bios? When windows 8.1 installs the wifi drivers aren't installed.
Drivers don't matter as the hardware hash is already programmed into your bios. What key is currently installed? Your OEM-DM key?
that's the thing. I have a modified bios because I needed to replace the wifi card. The motherboard is the same and windows has it as soon as I check in the activation window. I could have swore this worked before when older installations of version 8 were floating around.
Is he sure? It would be auto if the install.wim already had a manufacturers default key for OA3 already installed.
Since it took the key i would assume the MSDM table is still intact, but the Activation Server might have problems to verify the HWIDs.
The latest attempt I made a windows installation media for 8.1 64 on a usb drive. Earlier, I tried windows 8 thinking that would fix it since the product key is windows 8. I deleted all the partitions on my hard drive and made a new one during installation. Boots up to a nonactivated OS but under activation the key is already there. I didn't input it.