Windows 8 Product Key question

[kd6icz]

I figured someone would know the answer to my question.

I want to reinstall Windows 8.1 with Media Center on the PC that I was testing Windows 10 preview. I own the original Windows 8 Pro OEM DVD with its product key. I purchased Media Center after I upgraded to 8.1. So that Key says Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack Product Key.

My question is can I install 8.1 without installing 8 first and simply enter that key? I created a Windows 8.1 Pro 64bit USB flash drive directly from the Microsoft website.

[Ed]

I figured someone would know the answer to my question.

I want to reinstall Windows 8.1 with Media Center on the PC that I was testing Windows 10 preview. I own the original Windows 8 Pro OEM DVD with its product key. I purchased Media Center after I upgraded to 8.1. So that Key says Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack Product Key.

My question is can I install 8.1 without installing 8 first and simply enter that key? I created a Windows 8.1 Pro 64bit USB flash drive directly from the Microsoft website.

Yes. I do this with one of my 8.0 Pro keys (it's not an 8.1 Pro key, like the rest I have).

What you have to do is install Windows 8.1 Pro with a 'dummy' 8.1 Pro key. Here is the one I use: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

Then after, Windows is installed, but not activated. Activate it using your legitimate 8.0 Pro key; it will activate fine. Then, just use your upgrade/WMC key to go from 8.1 Pro to 8.1 Pro w/ WMC.

Apparently there is a way you can create a Win 8.1 Pro cd w/ WMC already installed/integrated. You would then use a 'Win 8.1 Pro w/ WMC' dummy key to install; and activate with your legit WMC key. I never cared enough to look into that method; as the method I was already using worked fine.

[kd6icz]

Got it! Yeah I would like as clean uncluttered installation as possible. Thank you!

[Ed]

Got it! Yeah I would like as clean uncluttered installation as possible. Thank you!

The only thing I can think of that might be an issue - my keys are all retail/retail upgrade keys.

You might need a different dummy key for OEM edition; you might not. I did a quick Google search that didn't come up with any '8.1 Pro OEM dummy keys'. So, you might wanna spend some time searching yourself; or just give it a go and see if it works out. Just wanted to give you that forewarning.

[RyC]

You can use KMS keys to get through the installation prompt and then enter your real key when it's installed. Shouldn't be a problem since the KMS key won't actually activate since you probably don't have a KMS server. I've done this a few times for the same reason, didn't want to upgrade from 8 to 8.1. https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/lib ... 12867.aspx

There might not be any non-Pro KMS keys though

[kd6icz]

Thank you both. I'll give it a try and see what happens. I'm not sure what version Microsoft flashed to my thumb drive and it didn't ask so I'm thinking it's 100% key based and doesn't really matter.

Correction: It did ask if I wanted 8.1, 8.1 N, 8.1 Pro, or 8.1 Pro N. Also gave me the option of 32 or 64bit. I selected 8.1 Pro 64bit.

[kd6icz]

Just to report back: ALL IS GOOD! The key you provided did exactly what you said. Completed the install and then prompted for the real key. Activated without issue and then entered my Media Center key. Back up and running! I really liked Windows 10 but no media center.... No thanks!

[Ed]

Good stuff

Good to know it doesn't seem to be dependent on OEM/Retail keys in the same way older Windows were.