Windows Activation problem

Matt_7

Reputable
Sep 22, 2015
4
0
4,510
Alright. So recently I built a PC and I obviously needed windows so I downloaded an ISO I found on the internet. This ISO was a 90 day trial so I was like I won't bother get a product key just yet. Now, the 90 days are over. I was about to pick up a key but when I tried to activate it it wouldn't work. I've searched around and you guys are supposed to be great with PC problems so I'm, hoping somebody can help!

So I typed ''Activate Windows'' into the search bar and this comes up when I click it: https://gyazo.com/8d5f244d09f553622324d6cb99a3e86e

Then I click that and it brings me to the store, were this message comes up: https://gyazo.com/3e8c8c24a1a4d7289d4f6c585b060797

I've no idea how to activate it as it won't let me. Somebody said install all the optional windows updates and I tried that and it still didn't work. This is the exact version of Windows that I'm using: https://gyazo.com/7ddb23e0773ca725f07170f5adf50afa
 
Solution
Looks like a clean install is needed:

Q: Do I have to activate Windows 8.1 Enterprise 90-day evaluation?

A: Yes, activation of the Windows 8.1 Enterprise 90-day evaluation is required after installation or the product will shut down every hour. The ability to activate the trial software will expire on August 15, 2013.

Q: What happens after the evaluation period expires?

A: If you wish to continue to use Windows 8.1 Enterprise after the evaluation period, you will be required to purchase and perform a clean installation of Windows 8.1, including drivers and applications. Please keep this in mind as Windows 8.1 Enterprise is not available through retail channels until October 26, 2012 .

Source...

COLGeek

Cybernaut
Moderator
Looks like a clean install is needed:

Q: Do I have to activate Windows 8.1 Enterprise 90-day evaluation?

A: Yes, activation of the Windows 8.1 Enterprise 90-day evaluation is required after installation or the product will shut down every hour. The ability to activate the trial software will expire on August 15, 2013.

Q: What happens after the evaluation period expires?

A: If you wish to continue to use Windows 8.1 Enterprise after the evaluation period, you will be required to purchase and perform a clean installation of Windows 8.1, including drivers and applications. Please keep this in mind as Windows 8.1 Enterprise is not available through retail channels until October 26, 2012 .

Source: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/jj552442.aspx
 
Solution

Matt_7

Reputable
Sep 22, 2015
4
0
4,510
Okay thanks for that man! And when I download a Windows 8.1 ISO can I just enter an OEM code as a product key? Don't know much about them but they're a lot cheaper than the retail ones
 

COLGeek

Cybernaut
Moderator
An OEM license should work just fine. Make sure the ISO version matches the product key version. Also, if I may ask. Where are you getting your product key from? There are some very shady sites out there that will gladly take your money and give you a bogus key. Be careful and only purchase from a reputable site.