Windows 8 Upgrade

[STS121]

Hi Guys,

I was running Vista, but upgraded to Windows 8 online when it came out, then went to 8.1 recently.

Then my Hard drive cooked itself...... I never made a copy of the upgrade ISO when i got it, but do have the activation key. I have since bought a new HD and installed Vista again but want to return to 8/8.1

Been on windows site and the only one i can download now is Windows 8, not the upgrade version and when i do it tells me i have the upgrade key which is no good.

Searched all over and cant find an answer, got a horrible feeling someone is going to tell me its not possible........ Which i hope not!!

Thanks in advance

 

[my2cents]

This might work for you. Please read carefully as there are specific instructions for Vista:

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-upgrade-iso-download-create.html

 

[STS121]

Hi,

Thanks but all i get is told that its an upgrade key, not an install key so wont let me go any further?

 

[my2cents]

Hi,

Thanks but all i get is told that its an upgrade key, not an install key so wont let me go any further?

bought a new HD and installed Vista again

Are you trying to upgrade from Vista or do a clean install?

 

[STS121]

Hi,

Thanks but all i get is told that its an upgrade key, not an install key so wont let me go any further?

bought a new HD and installed Vista again

Are you trying to upgrade from Vista or do a clean install?

I upgraded originally from vista. then my HD half died so i bought a new one and reinstalled vista.

I assumed as i had purchased the upgrade i would be able to download it and reinstall it again.....

 

[DavidY]

Are you sure it's the right Product Key/email?

Many people (including myself) would have had two product keys, one for Windows 8 itself, and one for the free upgrade to Media Center which was available around a year ago. You'll need the earlier one, not the Media Center one, to reinstall Windows 8.

 

[STS121]

Are you sure it's the right Product Key/email?

Many people (including myself) would have had two product keys, one for Windows 8 itself, and one for the free upgrade to Media Center which was available around a year ago. You'll need the earlier one, not the Media Center one, to reinstall Windows 8.

I assume so, i deleted the original email from when i ordered, so have used Belarc to look at system and find the product key, thats the only one listed....

 

[DavidY]

What edition does it come up with in Control Panel | System?

If it says "Windows 8 Pro with Media Center", then I think Belarc will read the Media Center key, which isn't the one you want.

 

[STS121]

What edition does it come up with in Control Panel | System?

If it says "Windows 8 Pro with Media Center", then I think Belarc will read the Media Center key, which isn't the one you want.

Yes it seems i have media centre so guess its reading this key, anyway round this? Its not in my program list to uninstall

 

[DavidY]

I don't think you can uninstall Media Centre, I'm afraid.

(In fact, there is a Registry change you can make to remove Media Centre, but it relies on knowing the Windows 8 Pro product key beforehand, so it won't do what you want.)

It's the original email which you need. I guess you might try calling Microsoft to see if there's anything they can do.

Another aspect is that you probably didn't actually pay the money to Microsoft. I'm in the UK and my Windows 8 Pro receipt says it was actually sold to me by "arvato distribution GmbH" in Germany. So you might try contacting the email address on here, to see if they have a record of your sale? However I've no idea if they will be helpful:
Microsoft Store APAC Online Store - Imprint

arvato distribution GmbH
Microsoft Store
Benzstrasse 5-7
D-33442 Herzebrock-Clarholz
Germany
arvato: arvatodigitalservices.com
Telephone: 00800 2727 0909

Email to: MSStore.UK@msdirectservices.com