Solved Windows 8.1 Pro Activation Question.

Hello, forum

I purchased a computer from the IT at my job. Unfortunately, he used Volume Licensing to activate my copy of Windows. The license has expired, and I need a new one. Do I have to buy a full version of Windows 8.1 Pro, or will Windows 8.1 Pro Pack solve my problem. Are these the only methods to get a legal activation key/code.

I believe the Pro Pack thing was a glitch that has been resolved. Check the computer, there should be a Windows License sticker on it somewhere with a valid key (unless it's new enough to use SLIC, in which case you need the reinstallation discs for that specific computer).

The computer should come with a valid Windows license, but it might not be Windows 8 Pro and so would mean a wipe and installing the original OS is required.

Have a look at this, http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/27129-product-key-find-windows-8-a.html. Running the showkey in option five will tell you if that PC has an OEM embedded key. If it does you can get install media here, Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help that will let you do a clean install using the OEM key. That would give you a legally activated install. Is there a COA sticker on it? It may be hidden under the battery if it's a laptop.

Thanks for the replies. It's a custom built computer so there isn't any stickers. He basically took some spare parts, and made a decent computer. He maintains all the computers at our school so I guess he uses volume licensing to activate all the computers. I think I might just buy a retail copy of Windows 8.1. I wish I could just buy the 64 bit version.

Oh. Dependng on what it is and where he got the parts you could still try running alphanumeric's key finder and see if there is anything. otherwise it may be cheaper to reinstall with Windows 8 regular or Windows 7.

gmg2000 said:

Thanks for the replies. It's a custom built computer so there isn't any stickers. He basically took some spare parts, and made a decent computer. He maintains all the computers at our school so I guess he uses volume licensing to activate all the computers. I think I might just buy a retail copy of Windows 8.1. I wish I could just buy the 64 bit version.

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If you have a student ID from that school, you can register for a huge discount.

Buy Windows 8.1 Pro - Microsoft Store