Windows 8.1 question.

[Dane]

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.

[Andre S. Veteran]

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.

[Dane]

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

[Dane]

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?

[kala-kas]

At the end of EULA it should show what version it is.

[Dane]

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. 

[Dane]

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-us
This 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

[Eric Veteran]

That setup file version is 8.1 RTM.

[Dane]

That setup file version is 8.1 RTM.

Thanks! Why would one not ask for a key and the other needs the generic?

[mduren2445]

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

[Dane]

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.

[Eric Veteran]

[Thread cleaned]

Please keep the discussion here unless it's not possible. Neowin is not here to promote your blog or video channels.

[Dane]

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