Windows 8 Activation

Tute

Tute

Tute

Soldato
Joined
24 Jul 2004
Posts
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Location
Devon, UK
Hi all.

Basically I just used my Windows 8 key to install Windows 8 from a USB stick. The first thing I did was upgrade to 8.1 using the Microsoft store.

Now the problem came when I tried to activate, it keeps telling me my key is invalid.

Do I need to activate first before I put Windows 8.1 on or am I missing something obvious here?

The key is one of the ones bought for £25 during Microsoft's offer.

Thanks in advance.
 
Tried this?

- Go into elevated Command Prompt. Windows Key + X. Then A.
- slmgr -ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX (XXXXX is your Upgrade Key!)
- Check in System Overview. Right click Windows Start button and choose system.
- If it is not activated just follow the instructions to activate over the phone. Reboot after doing phone method and it will work!
Click to expand...

Unsure if the following still applies: http://lifehacker.com/5984278/how-to-do-a-clean-install-of-windows-8-with-an-upgrade-disc
 
Tute said:
Hi all.

Basically I just used my Windows 8 key to install Windows 8 from a USB stick. The first thing I did was upgrade to 8.1 using the Microsoft store.

Now the problem came when I tried to activate, it keeps telling me my key is invalid.

Do I need to activate first before I put Windows 8.1 on or am I missing something obvious here?

The key is one of the ones bought for £25 during Microsoft's offer.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Once you have input the key and being told it's invalid there should be an option to ring MS to get the key authenticated over the phone on the same screen where you select to input the key although it's not immediately apparent it should be there.
 
Cool, so the phone activation works? I didn't think of that, all done now, thanks.

As an aside as well, will the key work in the same way with a Windows 8.1 ISO or do I always have to do 8.0 first and then download the 8.1 upgrade from the store?

I ask as I noticed Microsoft have added a link to my download page for the 8.1 ISO but then they talk about 8.0 and 8.1 keys as if they are different?

I admit, I miss the days when it was just a service pack! :p :)
 
Tute said:
As an aside as well, will the key work in the same way with a Windows 8.1 ISO or do I always have to do 8.0 first and then download the 8.1 upgrade from the store?
Click to expand...

Use the placeholder key to install 8.1. Activate using your key.

Code: 
Core: 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
Pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
 
I did the £25 offer when it first came out. Actually I got a further discount so I got windows 8 for £15 : ) I've had to use the phone to activate it on multiple occasions now as I've changed motherboard CPU graphics And now hard drive o ssd. It works though. I normally use a place holder key first as pointed out though. It's a bit of a faff having to write down all those numbers over the phone, glad it's free phone lol.
 
get the placeholder copy. anything else is a complete nightmare to do.
you end up reinstalling over existing w8 and all sorts
 
Tute said:
The key is one of the ones bought for £25 during Microsoft's offer.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I did the same but can't find my key anywhere, was it mailed, I can see where it went through my paypal account but I just can't find the key!!
 
My emails came from "Microsoft Customer Support" (blah blah @css.one.microsoft.com) with a title of "Thanks for ordering Windows 8"

Hopefully you will be able to find yours :)
 
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