Solved Fresh install and product key confusion

Daniol71

New Member
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Hi everybody, I will soon replace my HDD with an SSD and make a fresh install of windows.

Here's my problem: I bought Windows 8 and received a Windows 8 product key but am now running Win8.1. Microsoft clearly states that a windows 8 product key CAN NOT be used with Win8.1.

Here are the options I see:
1. I download the Win8 ISO and place it on a USB drive and use my Win8 product key and update to Win8.1 after installation.

2. I make a bootable USB drive in Win8.1 and use a Product Key finder program to scan the registry for the Win8.1 product key.

What is the best/safest method? What would you guys do?

This is the first time I replace a HDD but I've found loads of information online so it shouldn't be a problem. I'm mostly confused about the OS reinstall. I know I can clone my HDD but I've had a few errors and random crashes and would rather do a fresh install than porting those errors over to the SSD.

Thanks in advance,

Daniel
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (64-bit)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire V3-772g
Microsoft clearly states that a windows 8 product key CAN NOT be used with Windows 8.1.

Yes it can.

Install from 8.1 dvd/usb using the generic install key:

CoreSingleLanguage=Y9NXP-XT8MV-PT9TG-97CT3-9D6TC

Professional=XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

Core=334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT



Then activate with your 8.0 key.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Alright, cool :D

Just to make sure I understood everything:

1. I make a bootable usb in Win8.1

2. I boot from that usb drive in BIOS

3. I enter the generic install key for my system (Professional)

4. I then activate with my Win8 key

Quick question: Should I make a bootable usb through windows or do you recommend a third-party software? I'm asking because I've had bootable drives not working properly in critical moments before and I'd like to avoid that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (64-bit)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire V3-772g
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