Clean install of Windows 8.1 using 8.0 key?

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Tedfoo25

Honorable
Jun 3, 2013
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Hi there!

I have a legitimate Windows 8.0 OEM key. I want to do a clean install of Windows 8.1 (not installing 8.0 first and then updating).

I know that this is possible by using an 8.1 ISO and using a generic Windows key (provided by Microsoft), and activating the OS once installed by entering your own key then.

I have had a look at a few guides online but can't seem to find answers to the following questions:

1) How do I get a legitimate 8.1 ISO (not 8.0 to 8.1, but full install 8.1) in the first place?
2) How do I enter my key after the install?

If someone could answer these questions, I would be very appreciative.

Thanks!
 
Solution
Someone Somewhere
1) Microsoft publishes hashes of Windows ISOs in MSDN. These can be used to ensure a download from a third party is unmodified.

2) I would have thought that System Builder OEM type keys would activate fine on retail discs without modification having to use a generic key. You generally only need those when doing a SLIC (key in BIOS) install, and even then I'm not sure.
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Someone Somewhere

Someone Somewhere

Titan
Sep 23, 2012
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1) Microsoft publishes hashes of Windows ISOs in MSDN. These can be used to ensure a download from a third party is unmodified.

2) I would have thought that System Builder OEM type keys would activate fine on retail discs without modification having to use a generic key. You generally only need those when doing a SLIC (key in BIOS) install, and even then I'm not sure.
 
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Solution
SchizTech

SchizTech

Judicious
Jan 16, 2011
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As to point 2: a standard 8.0 key will activate windows 8.1 but can't be used to install it - and since 8.0 there's no option to skip entering a key during installation unless it detects the proper key embedded in the BIOS already. I haven't tried this method of installation yet, though I'd assume after installation the new copy or 8.1 will prompt you to activate. If you want to do it manually it should be done though the system properties page, at the bottom of the page where the activation status is displayed.

 
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J

JirafaBo

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Jul 16, 2014
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I just want to make sure I understand...

I have a Windows 8 OEM laptop which I upgraded to 8.1. I've grabbed my OEM serial # from my bios using RWeverything. I want to fresh install on a new SSD I'm swapping in. That serial will stay in the bios correct? So I should be able to just install Windows 8 from any source, and then later upgrade to 8.1?
 
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SchizTech

SchizTech

Judicious
Jan 16, 2011
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Yes, that serial stays in the BIOS. It should install without asking for a key since it detects it automatically, and it will activate once it gets online (it needs to connect to a Windows activation server). You need to do a bunch of Windows 8 updates before the upgrade to 8.1 is enabled, but after the upgrade is finished there shouldn't be many updates left (the upgrade picks up an up-to-date image off the servers).
 
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J

JirafaBo

Reputable
Jul 16, 2014
2
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Thank you for the reply. Would it be possible to just install a full 8.1 version? Will the BIOS key work since it's reading it itself. Ive read that you cant use the 8.0 key to install 8.1, but not sure if it wouldn't work since my key is stored in BIOS. Obviously, this would be easier/cleaner than the 8.0, update, 8.1 method.

I've also seen around that there's some stock serial to use for this situation that can get me past the initial install screen if installing 8.1, but I'm not sure where to get that serial.

What is your suggestion for best way to do this install?
 
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SchizTech

SchizTech

Judicious
Jan 16, 2011
5,278
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32,640


I haven't yet tried this more direct route myself. The topic is discussed here though

http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/31093-activate-retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html
 
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