Solved Problem updating Win.8 to 8.1

I have just bought a Toshiba Laptop with Win 8 on it. I haven't installed any programs on it yet. I am thinking of upgrading it to Win 8.1 but I only have 3GB data allowance per month and I believe that the update is in excess of 3GBs. Is there a cd available that I can buy to avoid having to download the update. Any advice about this would be appreciated

There used to be a "media only" DVD on Newegg.com, but I just looked and didn't find it. I've googled and binged and don't find a DVD from a reputable seller. I saw a media only advertised on ebay for $79, but that's too steep . . . the one on Newegg was in the neighborhood of $15.00 I think.

Do you have a friend or relative who's upgraded from 8.0 to 8.1 with a DVD? If so, you can borrow theirs and use your key.

As you know, you're entitled to a free upgrade from 8.0 to 8.1. Here's a good starting place for installing your upgrade and activating with your original 8.0 product key.

http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html

Good luck . . . and welcome to the forum.

Many thanks Wynona for your prompt reply. One problem, I don't have a product key. My laptop came with Win 8 already installed. I was formerly using Win. XP but have disconnected that from the internet so I can still use all my old programs on it. I am still familiarising myself with the new format and thought that it might be better to upgrade to Win 8.1 before I get too used to the Win 8 set-up.. Guess I'll just have to start asking around. I am based in Melbourne , Australia,

Sure you have it, it's embedded in windows you just have to find it. "ProduKey.exe" (ProduKey - Recover lost product key (CD-Key) of Windows/MS-Office/SQL Server) can find it for you.

joe7291 said:

Many thanks Wynona for your prompt reply. One problem, I don't have a product key. My laptop came with Win 8 already installed. I was formerly using Win. XP but have disconnected that from the internet so I can still use all my old programs on it. I am still familiarising myself with the new format and thought that it might be better to upgrade to Win 8.1 before I get too used to the Win 8 set-up.. Guess I'll just have to start asking around. I am based in Melbourne , Australia,

Click to expand...

OK, as Count Mike said, you have the key embedded in Windows. Another way to get the key is with Belarc Advisor. Go to Belarc.com and click on Free Download. Click on the download and follow the yellow brick road. I like Advisor because it gives me much more information than just product keys. At the moment the free version uncovers Microsoft Windows as well as Office keys.

Not to discount Count Mike's info, but Belarc is simple and elegant; plus, if you need more than the free Advisor supplies, which I don't, you can upgrade to a paid version.

Note also that down within the body of the instructions I sent you the link to, there is a temporary key you can use (read that that the Windows 8 embedded key won't work with installing Windows 8.1 upgrade) for installing 8.1. I'm pretty sure it will still work since I've not read anything to the contrary on the forum.

Whoa . . . we're a fur piece apart . . . I'm in the great state of Texas US in the fantastic Piney Woods.

These keys are no secrete and have been posted in another thread. You can use them to install Windows 8.1, they will not activate. Once installed you can use your 8 key to activate.
CoreSingleLanguage=Y9NXP-XT8MV-PT9TG-97CT3-9D6TC
Professional=XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
Core=334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

Thanks everyone for your advice. Sorry for the delay in replying. I've had a look at each of the responses but I don't think that I have the skills to chase up[ the Product Registration codes. I'm not sure that I could handle that. I've also read a few other threads where inquiries have been made as to whether one should in fact upgrade to Win 8.1 at this stage, and there seems to be a general consensus that at the level I'm using Win 8, it is probably better to just carry on using Win8 and perhaps moving to Win 8.1 or whatever update might be available in Jan/Feb. 2014. So I've decided to do that. Many thanks for your advice . I really do appreciate it.

Doing the update though the Windows Store has caused issues for some. If you haven't already made a set of recovery media, I would. Then if you do decide to update you can fix things if it fails.

The improvements that I have noticed in going from 8 to 8.1 are mostly to do with Metro. Better multi monitor support, and support for smaller resolutions. The Boot to desktop feature and revised Start Menu, and Start button. If you spend a lot of time running desktop applications and don't use Metro there is likely no compelling reason for you to move on to 8.1. You may as well wait and see what 8.2 brings. With some luck maybe Microsoft will offer an ISO download. It will still be a big download but once you have it you can save it away or burn it to disk and be done with it.

Have you made the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

I would recommend you making the OEM manufacturer's Recovery DVD's or USB drive.
How to make Toshiba Recovery disks.

Toshiba How-To: Create System Recovery Media DVDs on a Windows 8 Laptop - YouTube
Toshiba How-To: Understanding Windows 8 system recovery options - YouTube
Creating Recovery Media for Windows 8 - TOSHIBA FORUMS
or
You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the OEM manufacturer's website.
Toshiba Service Portal - Laptop Recovery Media Services - Toshiba