Solved product keys

Hello
I noticed on both my desktop and laptop that product keys for Win 8.1 Pro with media center are different from the original Win 8 ones before I upgraded through the store.
Does this mean that I can use this new key to install Win 8.1 pro with media center and the DVD I created from the 8.1 Pro iso file?
Thank you
Peter

Hello Peter,

The product key for Windows 8.1 Pro w/WMC can only be used to add WMC back. It cannot be used to activate Windows 8 or 8.1 with.

You would need to install Windows 8 first, activate it with your Windows 8 product key, then add Windows 8.1 Pro w/WMC using the "I already have a product key" option in Add Features.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

I usually say things that are misleading. If I may, I would like to clarify something.
WMC aside, and speaking only about Win 8 and Win 8.1 is it true that the Win 8.1 dvd cannot be installed and activated with the new product key which is on Win 8.1?
I would then use Win 8 then the store etc.
Really sorry about the redundancy but I felt the emphasis was on the WMC which I wanted to clear up.
Thank you for your patience, many don't bother with a second try.

No worries.

If the key is for the Pro pack w/WMC, then it cannot be used to activate a Windows 8.1 Pro installation.

Windows 8.1 Pro can only be activated with a product key that is specifically for Windows 8 Pro or Windows 8.1 Pro, and not with a key for WMC.

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

I have a separate key for Win 8 pro and then a separate one for the WMC. Having 2 keys I remember and have them.
I then went to the store and when I installed 8.1Pro the WMC was either there or asked me to enter the Win 8 key, I don't recall.
I then made a dvd of 8.1 Pro.
I have a different product key for Win 8.1.
That is why I asked if I could use the new/different Win 8.1 prod key with the dvd.
Maybe it is in vain b/c I would likely lose the WMC, or not?
So I have the key for Win 8, a different one for the Win 8 WMC and a different key for Win 8.1 Pro.
The same applies to the laptop.
I hope this is not too confusing. Peter

If you have a separate Windows 8.1 Pro key that is not for WMC, then sure you can use it to activate Windows 8.1 Pro.

Product key or Product ID? If you are referring to the Product ID: as shown on the System screen that is not the same as the product code and can't be used to install or activate Windows with.

When I right click this PC and select properties, it says Product ID followed by digits and on the right at the same level it says, Change product key. So two words are used on the same line.

The Product ID listed there is not your product key.

Product Keys and Product IDs are two completely different things,
despite the similarity of the terms.

The 20 character Product ID is created during the installation
process and is used to obtain/qualify for technical support (ex: activate by phone) from Microsoft; it is of no use during the
installation process.

The 25 character Product Key is used to prove ownership of a
legitimate license and is required to enter during installation to activate with.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/27129-product-key-find-windows-8-a.html

Peter2 said:

When I right click this PC and select properties, it says Product ID followed by digits and on the right at the same level it says, Change product key. So two words are used on the same line.

Click to expand...

I don't know if this will help or not.
If not, I'll delete it.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/8855-product-key-number-change-windows-8-a.html

See picture:

Brink said:

The Product ID listed there is not your product key.

Product Keys and Product IDs are two completely different things,
despite the similarity of the terms.

The 20 character Product ID is created during the installation
process and is used to obtain/qualify for technical support (ex: activate by phone) from Microsoft; it is of no use during the
installation process.

The 25 character Product Key is used to prove ownership of a
legitimate license and is required to enter during installation to activate with.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/27129-product-key-find-windows-8-a.html

Click to expand...

Bingo, I had a hunch he might have confused one for the other. The Product ID: would change when going from 8.0 to 8.1.

Prod ID and Prod key

I never did this before that is why I was confused.
I hope the prntscrn shows why it is confusing to a non skilled person.
Thanks again for your help as it saved me a lot of work.

At one time that screen would show the product code. It did in Windows NT4, Windows 98 to I think. Microsoft changed it up after that. The Product ID, as far as I know will tell Microsoft if its Retail or OEM, Core, Pro or Enterprise, 8 or 8.1 etc. Windows 7's will actually have the letters -OEM- in it if its an OEM install. It might even tell if it was an upgrade install or not. I personally don't know how to decode it, but Microsoft does.

The main thing is that it shows as activated, and you are good to go.

I tried thumbs up but it won't work for either of you.
Although it is unfortunate that it is not a usable key with my dvd, and just a MS id, I understand the logic and will know what to expect in the future. So much for a dvd.
I am getting a Chromebook for my wife as she is less literate with pcs than me. That way, in the event, she can carry on with a simple machine. I used Chrome, Drive etc. to simulate the Chromebook and it is good for a novice, although quite limited for normal and especially skilled users. A little more useful than a tablet, I think. However, I find Windows fascinating and will keep working with it as long as I can.
Thank you