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Thread ID: 137480 2014-07-13 10:16:00 Migrating to new PC bk T (215) Press F1
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1379145 2014-07-13 10:16:00 As my present PC's has developed problems, I'm getting a new PC.

1. Would I be able to use the Win8 Pro Key (bought it cheap @$20 during the initial promo) to install and activate it?

2. Would I be able to use a Win 8.1 install DVD to install (with the $20 key), if I have the Win8.1 install DVD - that will save me lots of time upgrading it.

3. Possible (where?) to download a copy of Win8.1 free online?


Thanks.
bk T (215)
1379146 2014-07-13 10:21:00 If it doesnt work ring the free MS #. The Win 8.1 key should work with the key you have. Altho, you may have to use the generic install key to install it. Then use the valid key to activate it Speedy Gonzales (78)
1379147 2014-07-13 10:36:00 I only have Win8 Pro key, can I use this key (win8 Pro) to install Win8.1 if I have the install DVD?

Otherwise, I'll have to run and install all the updates, and then upgrade it to 8.1.

Where can I download a copy of Win8.1?
bk T (215)
1379148 2014-07-13 10:38:00 I only have Win8 Pro key, can I use this key (win8 Pro) to install Win8.1 if I have the install DVD?

Otherwise, I'll have to run and install all the updates, and then upgrade it to 8.1.

Where can I download a copy of Win8.1?
bk T (215)
1379149 2014-07-13 10:53:00 You cant install W8.1 directly with a W8 Key, as Speedy mentioned you have to use a default / preinstall key, then once up and running, change the product key to W8, then it usually activates OK.


The Windows 8.1 installer from the ISO does not accept Windows 8 keys. You need to install the system with a generic key (334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT for Core, XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB for Professional) and then enter your Windows 8 key after installing.

Note to moderators: these are not usable Windows keys. They are embedded in Windows itself as a placeholder default key and do not let you activate.

NOTE: if those keys wont work, try the default keys for ADK installs ( NOTE2) THESE WONT activate - so dont try.

Click on Default product key Tab.www.microsoft.com

As for downloading 8.1, theres no legal direct downloads unless you have a Technet /MSDN subscription, but you can get it from microsoft in a two step process - described www.cnet.com
wainuitech (129)
1379150 2014-07-13 12:31:00 ..
As for downloading 8.1, theres no legal direct downloads unless you have a Technet /MSDN subscription, but you can get it from microsoft in a two step process - described www.cnet.com

Is it OK to follow yr link and download the 8.1 iso from my present 8.1 PC?

Anyway, looks like there is no shortcut to change over.

Or, maybe I could just plug my present 8.1 HDD in to the new PC and try my luck, see whether it picks up all the drivers and of course, activating it, too.
bk T (215)
1379151 2014-07-14 10:18:00 Is it OK to follow yr link and download the 8.1 iso from my present 8.1 PC?

Anyway, looks like there is no shortcut to change over.

Or, maybe I could just plug my present 8.1 HDD in to the new PC and try my luck, see whether it picks up all the drivers and of course, activating it, too.

Not to sure with the download link / host OS. From memory it looks at what you have, and then lets you download the correct ISO, Eg: X86 or X64. ( FROM MEMORY) it wouldn't allow you to download a W8 if W8 was already the host OS.

I did try this morning on a W7, BUT it wouldn't download, just pops up with a windows saying "We can't connect right now...Check your Internet connection and try again" The internet was working fine.

Re just changing HDD to new Hardware -- sometimes it works other times it doesn't, had plenty of Blue Screens, or more to the point crashes on startup when trying that, even on W8 & W8.1.

You can also sometimes run into old driver problems.
wainuitech (129)
1379152 2014-07-14 22:53:00 Worth trying the old HDD on the new hardware. I've had 2 out of 2 work fine. The latest was a Vista drive with all new hardware. Vista worked like a champ and went about its business loading dvrs etc!

If you take an image beforehand you will have an escape route.

If you have a new HDD for the new machine, clone the old to the new and restart.

Good luck.
linw (53)
1379153 2014-07-14 23:52:00 Thanks guys. bk T (215)
1379154 2014-07-15 00:25:00 What about "sysprep" technet.microsoft.com


Have not done myself but someone here must know a bit about it and know if this can be used in bk T's scenario
Lawrence (2987)
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