I purchased and installed Windows 8 some time ago and then upgraded to 8.1 via the Windows Store.
When I got the upgrade I saved the ISO file in case I needed to reinstall.
At no time did I receive a different product key for the store version of 8.1 and now that I wish to reinstall I find that my original Windows 8 product key doesn't work.
I ran Belarc Advisor which shows that I do indeed have Windows 8.1 PRO X64 installed and the product key is indeed the same key that I used for Windows 8.
Short of going back and reinstalling Windows 8 and reapplying all the updates it seems I am stuck.
Going that route would also entail converting my disks back to MBR from GPT.
Ran Windows Toolkit 2.5.1 and it displayed two product keys, one for Windows 8 and one for 8.1.
Wonder why the other products only found one product key.
In any case, problem solved.
You should only have one proper key - that of Windows 8 - the other is either a generic key or a volume licence one.
The latter can be used to install 8.1 and the former to activate. (1)
BTW: I don't think it's within the forum rules to discuss that app. (2)
(1) I am still puzzled as to why the Windows 8 key does not work when I try to create installation media nor when I try to install from the Windows 8.1 ISO, and why I received no notification of a second key when I upgraded to 8.1 from the Windows Store.
(2) I was not aware of anything untoward regarding that app. Thanks for the info.
1. I have seen elsewhere on the forum that the store upgrade breaks the factory restore image somehow - thus always better to have an ISO handy.
Windows 8 key cannot install 8.1 as it's a different edition. Thus the need for the generic 8.1 key.
2) It contains a volume licence emulator exploit.
PS: @All...suggest we stick to the key viewing apps recommended on this forum to avoid confusion/future problems.. eg. ShowKey v1.3 is entirely open source.
Ran Windows Toolkit 2.5.1 and it displayed two product keys, one for Windows 8 and one for 8.1.
Wonder why the other products only found one product key.
In any case, problem solved.
That app is a PIRATE app (Windows toolkit) and using it to activate windows is highly illegal. It works by manipulating your Windows into a VL one (Volume licence) and then emulates an "enterprise" type of activator. That's why there are "Two sets of keys" - the original and a "generated VL one". Even if you got it to work you are then running an unauthorized version of Windows -- you should re-install the original W8.1 and update correctly.
Windows toolkit should not be discussed any further as it's ILLEGAL software on torrents.
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