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    Windows 8 Product Key Doesn't Work??? HELP

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by CC268, Jul 31, 2015.

  1. CC268

    CC268 Notebook Evangelist

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    This is ridiculous. I have reinstalled Windows 8 so that I can do the upgrade to Windows 10 - of course in Windows fashion nothing goes as planned. My product key won't work to activate Windows 8. I had this issue in the past and I remember there was some fix but I don't remember what.

    Can anyone help me???
     
    CC268, Jul 31, 2015
    #1
  2. CC268

    CC268 Notebook Evangelist

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    At this point I am just going to try using my Windows 7 disk that came with my Alienware and then upgrade from Windows 7. Hopefully that works.
     
    CC268, Jul 31, 2015
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  3. Ethrem

    Ethrem Notebook Prophet

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    Its called calling Microsoft. If you have a legit key, it shouldn't be an issue and will take less than 10 minutes of your time...
     
    Ethrem, Jul 31, 2015
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  4. ethon21

    ethon21 Notebook Consultant

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    If your laptop was originally windows 7 and your windows 8 key was one of the upgrade keys (the ones that cost $30 if I recall), then you might have some trouble activating via a clean install of windows 8. There are some tricks, but I'm not sure of the legality of it all.

    As Ethrem has indicated, your best bet is to contact Microsoft and they'll help you figure it out.

    My understanding of windows 10 is that it does replace your access to the old OS after the first month (unclear though, someone please correct if I'm wrong). I would perform the upgrade with the key for the OS that you're most OK with losing.
     
    ethon21, Jul 31, 2015
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  5. CC268

    CC268 Notebook Evangelist

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    Well after calling them and being transferred 3 times and waiting for an hour I said screw it. I am in the process of installing all the Windows updates in Windows 7 - then I will upgrade to Windows 10.
     
    CC268, Jul 31, 2015
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  6. Rodster

    Rodster Merica

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    It depends on how you are doing a clean install with Windows 8. In order for you to do a clean install you need a generic key for installation process. That key won't activate after the installation is complete and typing in your legit key won't work either. You'll then need to clear out the installation key by performing slmgr /ream in command prompt (admin mode), reboot. Then you'll need to go back into the command prompt (AM) and type slmgr -ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX (that's where you put in your actual Windows 8 key and press enter.

    p.s. you'll need to be connected to the internet for this process to work as this process talks to the MS activation servers and authorizes and activates your Windows 8 copy.
     
    Rodster, Jul 31, 2015
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  7. Spartan@HIDevolution

    Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative

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    I don't think that would work as the Windows 7 provided by Alienware/Dell is actuall an OEM SLP key that is preactivated and not a real retail key that you can upgrade. You can try though but I am just warning you of what to expect.
     
    Spartan@HIDevolution, Jul 31, 2015
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  8. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    Worked just fine on this HP laptop. Fresh install, activated with OEM SLP key+cert, not the sticker on bottom.
    It did however take one extra attempt, at first I chose to delete everything and activation did not carry over. I'm not sure if that was the reason but the second install/upgrade went thru properly.
     
    KLF, Aug 1, 2015
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  9. Marecki_clf

    Marecki_clf Homo laptopicus

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    My Windows 7 Pro 64-bit OEM upgraded without any issues. I have reinstalled the 7 in the past many times, which often required me to call MS to activate it. Despite that, upgrade to 10 was seamless. Activation was automatic.
     
    Marecki_clf, Aug 1, 2015
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  10. CC268

    CC268 Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks guys, I figured it all out - I just installed Windows 7 and then upgraded to 10 and then did a clean install.
     
    CC268, Aug 2, 2015
    #10