Best Method of Upgrading to Win 8.1 Pro from 8.0

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Bill75080

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May 6, 2014
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I just bought a refurbished Lenovo Yoga 13 and it came with Win 8.0. When I tried to activate it, I get a message that this installation does not work. Obviously a bad image by whoever did the refurb (not Lenovo).

Since I have access to the MS Action Pack, I can download the Win 8.0 Pro or 8.1 Pro ISO files. I have tried changing the Product Key that came with the Lenovo but that process does not work. So either re-installing Windows seems to be the best solution.

I did some initial configuration prior to discovering the problem and ideally, I would like to keep those settings but it would not be a total loss if I could not.

Can I upgrade from a Win 8.0 with a bad product key to Win 8.1 Pro using the DVD created from the ISO from the Windows desktop or does this have to be done from boot up? Will my settings remain or will they be wiped?

Thanks,
Bill in Texas
 
Solution
Ubrales


Yes. I suggest you install Win 8.1 64-bit OS instead of the 32-bit OS. The product key is the same and you should find it inside the Win 8.1 packaging.

I had difficulty reading some of the characters on the product key, but a magnifier helped.
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Ubrales

Ubrales

Polypheme
Dec 3, 2009
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Run a complete anti virus scan. Save all your personal files to an external disk. Make a backup of the computer. Insert the Windows 8.1 upgrade DVD into the drive and upgrade. You will be asked whether you want to retain your programs. Choose this option and all your programs will be intact.

Bad product keys will not work!
 
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Bill75080

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May 6, 2014
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Thanks Ubrales. By following your suggestion, then can I enter a new Product Key (one for Win 8.1 Pro) that is different from the one originally installed with the imaging of the hard drive?
 
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Ubrales

Ubrales

Polypheme
Dec 3, 2009
13,234
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Yes. I suggest you install Win 8.1 64-bit OS instead of the 32-bit OS. The product key is the same and you should find it inside the Win 8.1 packaging.

I had difficulty reading some of the characters on the product key, but a magnifier helped.
 
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Solution
B

Bill75080

Reputable
May 6, 2014
3
0
4,510
This went very smooth. Scanned with A/V, backed up, checked all devices and drivers, then started the upgrade from within Windows. The upgrade process asked about keeping personal files, apps and Windows Settings. I tried to keep everything but it balked at one of the Apps (the Touchpad), so I had to select Personal Files only. That worked and 35 minutes later, I had upgraded from a bad installation of Win 8.0 to Win 8.1 Professional and was able to enter a new Product ID that was valid. My data was intact and now I can begin to use the new Lenovo Ultrabook.
 
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Ubrales

Ubrales

Polypheme
Dec 3, 2009
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Great, and congratulations! You are among the few that follow good practice; unlike some that just do something, mess things up, and then come to Tom's!

Enjoy your new Win 8.1 Pro. I have Win 8.1 Pro on one desktop and on one laptop, and we love it. I missed the Win 7 Start button. So I installed "Classic Shell" and now I have the fully functional (real) Win 7 Start button along with all the advantages of Win 8.1 available at the click of a button. Best of both worlds! Works great! Don't understand why Microsoft didn't think of this!
 
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