Dane Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 I have a quick question. I have windows 8.1 installed, windows 8 came with my PC, I installed 8.1 when it came out. Reading stuff here I was able to figure out, I can install 8.1 and use the generic keys, then active using my BIOS key. However, I don't have a windows 8.1 dvd. My key can't be used to download it from microsofts website. So a friend of mine ripped their dvd "Supposedly". Is there a way I can check it to see if it is legit and not edited in any way? They are not local so I cannot go get the DVD from them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre S. Veteran Posted August 7, 2014 Veteran Share Posted August 7, 2014 However, I don't have a windows 8.1 dvd. My key can't be used to download it from microsofts website. If your PC came with Windows 8, you should be able to get Windows 8 installation media from Microsoft here. Then install Windows 8 and upgrade to 8.1 again. goretsky 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 (edited) If your PC came with Windows 8, you should be able to get Windows 8 installation media from Microsoft here. Then install Windows 8 and upgrade to 8.1 again. OEM keys cannot be used for retail. So I cannot use mine there. Edit: Just tried again to be sure. "This key cannot be used for retail". Edited August 7, 2014 by Dane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 The reason why I ask, is because when I start up his copy he made, it says "accept" for the license but it never asks for a key. I think it might be a pro version? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kala-kas Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 At the end of EULA it should show what version it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 At the end of EULA it should show what version it is. Thanks when I get back I will check it out, I know it said "Windows Blue" somewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted August 8, 2014 Author Share Posted August 8, 2014 Ok checking the setup file it's version number 6.3.9600.16384 and says in the setup process this. EULAID:WinBlue_R8_1_ED_PS_V_en-usThis version of setup does NOT ask for any keys and I'm not sure if it's reading my BIOS key or what. Another version, that I have to put in the generic windows key is: EULAID:WinBlue_R8_2_ED_CC_R_en-us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Veteran Posted August 8, 2014 Veteran Share Posted August 8, 2014 That setup file version is 8.1 RTM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted August 8, 2014 Author Share Posted August 8, 2014 That setup file version is 8.1 RTM. Thanks! Why would one not ask for a key and the other needs the generic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mduren2445 Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 methinks your 8.1 is a volume license.(system builders)..which is why no key and I would get rid of if you don't have said license from Microsoft, I don;t think your friend did u any favors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted August 8, 2014 Author Share Posted August 8, 2014 methinks your 8.1 is a volume license.(system builders)..which is why no key and I would get rid of if you don't have said license from Microsoft, I don;t think your friend did u any favors That's what I think. Now the second one I listed asks for a key. So it accepts the generic key so I assume that's safe. I'd use the guide here. Install it using the generic keys. Switch keys after install and enter my key that came with my PC and activate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Veteran Posted August 8, 2014 Veteran Share Posted August 8, 2014 [Thread cleaned] Please keep the discussion here unless it's not possible. Neowin is not here to promote your blog or video channels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 So I am still having issues. Anyone able to help with this? I got a copy of a regular Windows 8 from (Hopefully that's allowed here). I download it and it doesn't ask for my Key, it says "Windows 8: Thank you for choosing a compute preinstalled with Microsoft Windows 8". I assume this is legit and it's reading my OEM key, correct? If this doesn't work, I am going to go spend $100 at walmart and buy Windows 8.1, even though windows 8 came with my PC, the running around trying to do a complete fresh install is really ridiculous. The Setup.exe shows a file version of 6.2.9200.16384 Date Modified 7/26/2012 423am Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts