Why is 8.1 asking for a key on my laptop with BIOS key?

floepie

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I have a new W8 laptop and have acquired Windows 8.1 RTM. The install, unlike the W8 install, prompts me for a key. When I installed W8, the installer simply picked up the key stored in the BIOS, as there was no prompt.

Now, however, in 8.1, there is a prompt, and of course I have no way of obtaining the actual key in the BIOS. Is there a way to either force it to pick the key somehow, or is the true way to read the encrypted key in the BIOS so as to enter that at the prompt?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Core
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus UX302LA
You need a Windows 8.1 product key to install from the Windows 8.1 DVD.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Windows 8 users, attempting to install Win 8.1 RTM, are required to enter a "unique" key during the installation process. This is similar to the 8.1 (non-RTM) install which also requires a key but that key happens to be generic and available to everyone at the ISO download site. Unfortunately, the 8.1 RTM keys are only available to selected groups. Read more about the installation requirements here and good luck.

Windows 8.1 RTM: What's new, what's next? | ZDNet
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
I think it's been reported that you just have to ignore that screen requesting the key (just click next) - the key will be picked up during installation as usual - you will then just need to activate online... ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives
I think it's been reported that you just have to ignore that screen requesting the key (just click next) - the key will be picked up during installation as usual - you will then just need to activate online... ;)

Can you provide a reference for that information please?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PC-DOS v1.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    IBM
    CPU
    Intel 8088, 4.77MHz
    Memory
    16K, 640K max
    Graphics Card(s)
    What's that?
    Sound Card
    Not quite
    Screen Resolution
    80 X 24 text
    Hard Drives
    dual 160KB 5.25-inch disk drives

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11

Not sure what was required to "activate online" after installation. I'll ask the OP to respond to this thread. Thanks for the link.

The notion that a separate key is required coincides with my experience. You can't bypass the key prompt by simply pressing "next". So, what is the difference between the ISO and RTM? I have an ISO of the RTM. Thanks to those who have responded.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Core
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus UX302LA
As you have a OEM manufacturer's installed Windows 8 , you can UPDATE from the 18 October to Windows 8.1 from the MS Store.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
I think it's been reported that you just have to ignore that screen requesting the key (just click next) - the key will be picked up during installation as usual - you will then just need to activate online... ;)

Except ... there is NO option to do this! Without a valid key, the install will not continue.
 

My Computer

I ran into the same situation with my clean install with my TechNet ISO. My laptop has an embedded Windows 8 core key but I was prompted to enter a key. I think it looks at the key but if it isn't an 8.1 key it just ignores it. Just for fun I tried one of my Windows 8.0 TechNet keys and it rejected it. I had to use a Windows 8.1 TechNet key to finish the install.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2

Not sure what was required to "activate online" after installation. I'll ask the OP to respond to this thread. Thanks for the link.

If you keep reading in that linked to thread I think you'll find that that member used modified install media. http://www.eightforums.com/windows-...1-rtm-released-msdn-technet-7.html#post277202
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
I just entered a regular 8.0 pro key, and it activated online almost instantly.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I just entered a regular 8.0 pro key, and it activated online almost instantly.

Entered during the install or though the change product key option? Reports are that it will activate with a Windows 8 code but it won't install with one.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
I used the 8.0 pro key to activate via change product key , not to install.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I used the 8.0 pro key to activate via change product key , not to install.

OK, its my understanding from what's been posted that a lot of people are doing it that way. They install with the leaked keys (that will not activate) and then enter their Windows 8 key though the change product key option. I'm assuming that's because Windows 8.1 won't except the 8 key during the install process. I used my 8.1 TechNet key so I didn't have to go that route.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Apparently, you can just make use of a ei.cfg file inserted into the /sources directory on the USB install to bypass the initial key prompt. You then select which version (core or pro) to install. The file instructs the install to install as an OEM version, and the BIOS key is picked up.

Code:
[Channel]
OEM


[VL]
0
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Core
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus UX302LA
Yes, or this:

Code:
[EditionID]
[Channel]
Retail
[VL]
0

#87
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Why don't you simply bypass this step, by adding pid.txt in the iso\sources.
PID.txt should look like this:

Code:
[PID]
Value=xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

Windows 8.1 RTM keys are available, just search for them!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 (OC)
    Motherboard
    BIOSTAR P4M89 M7 TE
    Memory
    3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIAGT620 2GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19'
    Screen Resolution
    1366 X 768
    Hard Drives
    SATA 1TB
    SATA 250GB
    IDE 40GB
    PSU
    450W
    Case
    Stock
    Cooling
    Stock
    Internet Speed
    1Mbit
Why don't you simply bypass this step, by adding pid.txt in the iso\sources.
PID.txt should look like this:

Code:
[PID]
Value=xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

Windows 8.1 RTM keys are available, just search for them!

Because with the ei.cfg file the only key that gets entered is your original legit OEM key once W8.1 gets installed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Core
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus UX302LA
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