Window 8.1 Product Key? A few questions.

BarkerBlast

New Member
Messages
4
Hey Guys,

In 'System Information', there's a link that says 'Get more features with a new edition of windows". Clicking that brings up an 'Enter Product Key' page, and it is only at this point that I realize my product key isn't stuck to the bottom of this PC.

So, researching this on Google, I found a product key that Microsoft Released for the Trial:
NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F

So, my question is: Will my Windows 8 Product Key work with 8.1 Preview?
If so, I think I would rather dig that up than use a generic key.

If it doesn't, and I need to use this generic key, what happens at the end of the Preview when everyone has the same Product Key.

Will Windows 8 become an Operating System where you'll need to pay for the updated OS after the preview? Ie, paying for and getting a new Product Key?

And last, does anyone know what features entering a product key will actually unlock?

Thanks, Kurt
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung NP350V5C-S0BAU
    CPU
    Intel i5 3230M
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 7600M / Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Hard Drives
    WD7500BPVT-35HXZT3
Hey Guys,

In 'System Information', there's a link that says 'Get more features with a new edition of windows". Clicking that brings up an 'Enter Product Key' page, and it is only at this point that I realize my product key isn't stuck to the bottom of this PC.

So, researching this on Google, I found a product key that Microsoft Released for the Trial:
NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F

So, my question is: Will my Windows 8 Product Key work with 8.1 Preview?
If so, I think I would rather dig that up than use a generic key.

If it doesn't, and I need to use this generic key, what happens at the end of the Preview when everyone has the same Product Key.

Will Windows 8 become an Operating System where you'll need to pay for the updated OS after the preview? Ie, paying for and getting a new Product Key?

And last, does anyone know what features entering a product key will actually unlock?

Thanks, Kurt

Welcome to EF BarkerBlast !

1- You can upgrade from Windows 8 without entering a product key, but for a clean install you'll always need a product key. You can enter the generic key or a key received from MSDN in case you have a subscription. Windows 8 keys do not work for a clean install.

2- At the end of the preview, if you upgraded from a valid Windows 8 install you'll be able to upgrade to RTM without a product key, but you will lose all your apps. If you installed the preview form an ISO or upgraded from a non-activated/illegal copy of Windows 8 you'll need to buy a new key.

:)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff
Before upgrading Windows 8.1, be sure to make your Recovery disc.

information   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html




You can use the OEM version of
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
warning   Warning
Deleting the Recovery Partition is NOT RECOMMENDED




Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

How to make Recovery disc:
Support - Notebooks NP700Z7CH | Samsung Laptops

How to Order Recovery disc.
Support - Notebooks NP700Z7CH | Samsung Laptops





You can use the Windows system image.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/8956-system-image-create-windows-8-a.html

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Hey Guys,

In 'System Information', there's a link that says 'Get more features with a new edition of windows". Clicking that brings up an 'Enter Product Key' page, and it is only at this point that I realize my product key isn't stuck to the bottom of this PC.

So, researching this on Google, I found a product key that Microsoft Released for the Trial:
NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F

So, my question is: Will my Windows 8 Product Key work with 8.1 Preview?
If so, I think I would rather dig that up than use a generic key.

If it doesn't, and I need to use this generic key, what happens at the end of the Preview when everyone has the same Product Key.

Will Windows 8 become an Operating System where you'll need to pay for the updated OS after the preview? Ie, paying for and getting a new Product Key?

And last, does anyone know what features entering a product key will actually unlock?

Thanks, Kurt

Welcome to EF BarkerBlast !

1- You can upgrade from Windows 8 without entering a product key, but for a clean install you'll always need a product key. You can enter the generic key or a key received from MSDN in case you have a subscription. Windows 8 keys do not work for a clean install.

2- At the end of the preview, if you upgraded from a valid Windows 8 install you'll be able to upgrade to RTM without a product key, but you will lose all your apps. If you installed the preview form an ISO or upgraded from a non-activated/illegal copy of Windows 8 you'll need to buy a new key.

:)

Thanks for your reply, I love this place.

Windows 8 is so different, and i'm learning so much from here. I'm kinda excited (and dreading) to read the tutorials, already so much I didn't know.

My version of Windows 8 came with a new laptop I bought only a couple of months ago. I even bought the pro version before that for my old laptop, so it's not illegal in any way.

I installed from the store, and it just went though the motions, the setup time was painfully slow.

Why will I loose all my installed apps? Is the RTM not an upgrade as such, but more a fresh install?

And I guess my biggest question that i'm still not sure about was that, if I enter a product key where I stated in my initial post, will I get any more features as suggested? Or am I better or just leaving it, and using the system as is at the moment? I'm guessing it might just be a feature that isn't finished, ie there's nothing extra to unlock at the moment, maybe it's something for future trial users that have the option of purchasing.

Thanks again,
Kurt
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung NP350V5C-S0BAU
    CPU
    Intel i5 3230M
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 7600M / Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Hard Drives
    WD7500BPVT-35HXZT3
Before upgrading Windows 8.1, be sure to make your Recovery disc.

information   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html





You can use the OEM version of
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
warning   Warning
Deleting the Recovery Partition is NOT RECOMMENDED




Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

How to make Recovery disc:
Support - Notebooks NP700Z7CH | Samsung Laptops

How to Order Recovery disc.
Support - Notebooks NP700Z7CH | Samsung Laptops





You can use the Windows system image.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/8956-system-image-create-windows-8-a.html

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html

Hey,

I've never been one to do backups. I guess I've never been caught at the fault of the manufacturer. I figure that if i'm formatting the computer/mobile, I don't like the way it is at the moment, so i'm starting from scratch. Why would I want to carry everything over with a backup?

I usually delete the recovery partitions, but due to my current nervousness around Windows 8, I decided to leave it there. And after reading this thread from the first post, it's not going anywhere.

So i'm hoping the recovery partition is enough without the discs. It's the best backup plan I've had in 16 years.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung NP350V5C-S0BAU
    CPU
    Intel i5 3230M
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 7600M / Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Hard Drives
    WD7500BPVT-35HXZT3
Code:
Hey Guys,

In 'System Information', there's a link that says 'Get more features with a new edition of windows". Clicking that brings up an 'Enter Product Key' page, and it is only at this point that I realize my product key isn't stuck to the bottom of this PC.

So, researching this on Google, I found a product key that Microsoft Released for the Trial:
NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F

So, my question is: Will my Windows 8 Product Key work with 8.1 Preview?
If so, I think I would rather dig that up than use a generic key.

If it doesn't, and I need to use this generic key, what happens at the end of the Preview when everyone has the same Product Key.

Will Windows 8 become an Operating System where you'll need to pay for the updated OS after the preview? Ie, paying for and getting a new Product Key?

And last, does anyone know what features entering a product key will actually unlock?

Thanks, Kurt

Welcome to EF BarkerBlast !

1- You can upgrade from Windows 8 without entering a product key, but for a clean install you'll always need a product key. You can enter the generic key or a key received from MSDN in case you have a subscription. Windows 8 keys do not work for a clean install.

2- At the end of the preview, if you upgraded from a valid Windows 8 install you'll be able to upgrade to RTM without a product key, but you will lose all your apps. If you installed the preview form an ISO or upgraded from a non-activated/illegal copy of Windows 8 you'll need to buy a new key.

:)


After the final RTM, iso images are released the one can use the original product key (windows 8) for upgrading to 8.1(clean install). I hope I am right.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 professional x64 + WMC
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 5920
    CPU
    Core 2 duo T5550
    Motherboard
    ACER CHAPALA
    Memory
    4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel GMA X3100
    Screen Resolution
    1280 X 800
    Hard Drives
    160 GB HDD
If you have an OEM copy of Windows, the product key is stored in your BIOS, thus it is no longer necessary to enter a product key. The "Add new features" dialog is for adding Additional features like Windows Media Center. It can also be used to upgrade from Windows 8/8.1 standard to Windows 8/8.1 Professional.

NOTE: I have not tried to upgrade an OEM version to 8.1, so I cannot guarantee that this is the case, but it's how it should be.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
If you had 8 pro, it might work. I used a box which had 8, and the MSDN copy of 8.1 was pro, and I had to provide a key.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
If you had 8 pro, it might work. I used a box which had 8, and the MSDN copy of 8.1 was pro, and I had to provide a key.

I bought 8 Pro for my last laptop, this new laptop had it pre-installed. I'm only assuming I had the CD Key provided to me, usually it's on the bottom of the PC, but it's not there?? All seems to be working fine. I think I'll just leave it as is, and wait till the official release before I go trying any CD Keys.

So just to clarify, I do have a Windows 8 Pro CD Key, but it's not the edition I'm using on this laptop.

Thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung NP350V5C-S0BAU
    CPU
    Intel i5 3230M
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 7600M / Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Hard Drives
    WD7500BPVT-35HXZT3
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