Win 7 to Windows 8.1 with Windows 8 key

bloodiedathame

bloodiedathame

bloodiedathame

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Not been able to find a definite answer on Google I'm afraid hence posting on here.

I'm currently running a copy of Windows 7, but I thought I had a key for it, but I don't. So it's asking me for activation now, which is starting to get irritating.

I'd like to be using 8.1, though didn't have much success with clean installs of 8, then upgrading to 8.1 (stuff was missing broken, unstable). I do have a Windows 8 key.

I ran the Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant which was about as much use as a chocolate teapot, which stated that I could upgrade but if I wanted to keep my apps and files "there wasn't a product available in my region". Sigh.

So, can I go from 7 to 8.1 with an 8 key, whilst keeping all my apps and settings? And if so, how?

Could I download an 8.1 ISO, use a generic product key then swap it out with my 8.0 key?

Have tried using 8.1 setup link here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only with a generic key but that doesn't work.
 
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KIA said:
Code: 
File Name: en-gb_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4048142.iso
Languages: English
SHA1: 1F18420D65956DFE56E2359DA71AB6C363146570

File Name: en-gb_windows_8.1_with_update_x86_dvd_4048086.iso
Languages: English
SHA1: 3B589873A08C3AEC7E525968D03878F2A239B187

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B3c2hcaO4GgWbXB4Q0g5YkhHUVE&usp=sharing
Click to expand...
The text file shows the temporary, generic key for your edition.

If You've problems downloading from Google Drive there's also this
 
Got further than before using the Google Drive ISO and generic key, but only got the option to keep personal files.

"Note: If you're upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1, you won't see "apps" as an option of items to keep, and you'll need to reinstall your apps using the original installation media."

For ****s sake Microsoft.
 
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There's a workaround. I know it works because I used it a week or so back. You can upgrade keeping your apps by upgrading to Windows 8, not 8.1. This upgrade allows you to keep your apps. Only after you have upgraded to 8 do you upgrade to 8.1. The license keys are the same. Find an ISO of 8, get a license key, and you're set.
 
The problem is when I've updated to 8.1 from 8 previously (via the store) the system becomes unstable and restore features get broken so I was hoping to avoid it. Maybe upgrading to 8.1 from 8 via an ISO is a better idea... I'm not sure I can be bothered to try.
 
as said to keep ya stuff you have to go 7>8>8.1

irritating inst it. you will also find the a Win 8.0 product key may or may not work if you install win 8.1 from an ISO. updating 8 to 8.1 though is ok.

this definitely affects Pro and Enterprise versions and its really ******* annoying.
 
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