Windows 8.1 (core) repair install errors

William1155

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I currently have Windows 8.1 (core) on my HP laptop that originally came with Windows 8 (core). Recently I have had issues with Windows update and by searching forums I found the only thing I could do was a repair install. At first I was unable to find my product key from the packaging, but by using Belarc Advisor I was able to locate my product key. I downloaded the Windows 8 and 8.1 installations from the M$ website and when I put in my GENUINE key into windows 8 it says "This product key cannot be used to install a retail version of Windows 8". I have even tried using a GENERIC key in both it keeps giving me "We can't connect right now."
-I my date and time are correct
-I can connect to the internet (multiple locations)
-antivirus, firewall, etc deactivated
-BITS is on and running
-cryptographic on and running

I am unable to do the windows 8.1 iso download trick and cannot find any forum that has this resolved. If anyone here could help it would be greatly appreciated.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Core
Not clear what you are doing.

If you currently have 8.1 core installed and are trying to do a repair install using 8.1 core installation media, ( same as in-place upgrade ), it should accept the generic key.

Generic key for installation only - it will not activate. After installing, enter your real key.

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


I am unable to do the windows 8.1 iso download trick and cannot find any forum that has this resolved. If anyone here could help it would be greatly appreciated.

Your post appears to indicate you already have 8.1 installation media? Then why are you trying to d/l it again?

Are you sure you have the correct real product key? (not the same as the installation only generic key above).

The best way is to read it directly form the firmware.

Use rweverything, Click ACPI>MSDM and your real key is at the bottom .

Download | RWEverything
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I am trying to do a repair install to repair windows features. As stated I tried the generic key for BOTH windows 8 and 8.1 downloaded installers. I tried the code for each on each and It either says it won't work for that version or the it can't connect to the internet as I stated before. When trying my genuine key (which matches with both of the programs used to find the product key) it said that it couldn't be used to install a retail version. As for the download trick, I was referring to the method of obtaining a copy of the 8.1 iso for a boot install. I figured if I had that that I could do a repair install like windows 7. I had issues with that as well and I was able to do a repair install without the product key and as soon as it connected the product key was verified.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Core
when I put in my GENUINE key into windows 8 it says "This product key cannot be used to install a retail version of Windows 8".

edit: How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key. -> link

I currently have Windows 8.1 (core) on my HP laptop that originally came with Windows 8 (core).

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html

This will show you how to use a new feature in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 to refresh your PC to keep all personal data, Metro style apps, and important settings from the PC, and reinstall Windows.

If a recovery image provided by your PC's manufacturer is present, Windows 8 will use that image when you refresh your PC. Otherwise, Windows 8 will use your installation media when you refresh your PC.

This refresh feature is something close to like what doing a repair install in Windows 7 and Vista was for, but made a lot easier, faster, and safer to do now in Windows 8.

If you have an OEM PC that came with Windows 8 preinstalled and updated to Windows 8.1, then when you refresh Windows, it will restore Windows 8. Afterwards, you will need to update to Windows 8.1 via the Store again.

 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
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