Solved Windows 8.1 Pro to Enterprise

windows8use · May 1, 2015

My friend workplace has 20+ computer which running Windows 8.1 Pro VL, now they want to upgrade to enterprise version and keep apps, personal files and settings. But they downloaded the .iso from technet and only clean installation can be used. How they keep personal files....?

windows8use · May 1, 2015

Any method?

DeaconFrost · May 1, 2015

There are some other issues to overcome, first. Do they have licenses to use Enterprise? I'm not talking about the TechNet license...I mean one that is fit for 20+ computers and a production environment.

What is their reasoning to ditch what I'll assume is a legitimate VL license of Pro for Enterprise?

windows8use · May 1, 2015

Yes my friend workplace use VL license to buy windows 8.1 pro, now they want to upgrade to enterprise, so they try to download from technet and use their key but they say they cannot keep settings and apps.

Ztruker · May 1, 2015

Found this: Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 Upgrade Paths

Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Enterprise (Volume License)

You can upgrade to Windows 8.1 Enterprise (Volume License) from the following operating system editions:

Windows 8 Pro

Windows 8 Pro with Media Center

Windows 8 Enterprise

Windows 8.1 Pro

Looks like it has to be Pro or maybe Pro VL to Enterprise VL, not the Technet version. Just a guess.

windows8use · May 2, 2015

Hello,
So where to download the setup?

alphanumeric · May 2, 2015

As far as I know there is nothing special about the TechNet/MSDN version of Pro VL or Enterprise ISO. Other than the TechNet keys that is. There is nothing stopping you from using your Company keys though. Many many IT Pro's etc use these ISO's to install Windows on their company PC's. As far as I know if you ordered disks from Microsoft they would be identical to the ISO's on TechNet and MSDN.

alphanumeric · May 2, 2015

Are you switching languages or going from 32 bit to 64 bit? According to the table in the link that Ztrucker posted you should be able to "Keep Windows settings, personal files, and applications". Are you booting from the Enterprise DVD or running setup from 8.1 Pro VL? It may make a difference?

DeaconFrost · May 4, 2015

windows8use said:
Yes my friend workplace use VL license to buy windows 8.1 pro, now they want to upgrade to enterprise, so they try to download from technet and use their key but they say they cannot keep settings and apps.

I think you missed my point. You can't legally use the TechNet license for this purpose, and it likely won't activate on all the computers anyway. Your friend will need to purchase Enterprise licenses, and will get the software at that point.

alphanumeric · May 4, 2015

DeaconFrost said:
windows8use said:

Yes my friend workplace use VL license to buy windows 8.1 pro, now they want to upgrade to enterprise, so they try to download from technet and use their key but they say they cannot keep settings and apps.

Click to expand...

I think you missed my point. You can't legally use the TechNet license for this purpose, and it likely won't activate on all the computers anyway. Your friend will need to purchase Enterprise licenses, and will get the software at that point.

Yes if you assume "their key" is a TechNet key. It may not be, it may be a legitimate corporate key. TechNet may just be where they are downloading their install media. Just saying.

Addictive Gamer · May 4, 2015

You can use technet Enterprise evaluation if you're an IT pro for non commercial purposes.
However you do not need an "IT licence" coz there is no such thing.

Therefore you have free and original Windows.

DeaconFrost · May 5, 2015

TechNet is for evaluation only, correct. I'm not sure what you mean by an IT license. I made my comments earlier, because if this person bought Enterprise from a legitimate source, they'd also have the actual software bits, too.

And yes, I'm bitter on the subject because TechNet was a great program, especially for someone like me working for a non-profit. It was killed off, mainly because it was being abused.

alphanumeric · May 5, 2015

DeaconFrost said:
TechNet is for evaluation only, correct. I'm not sure what you mean by an IT license. I made my comments earlier, because if this person bought Enterprise from a legitimate source, they'd also have the actual software bits, too.

And yes, I'm bitter on the subject because TechNet was a great program, especially for someone like me working for a non-profit. It was killed off, mainly because it was being abused.

Totally agree, abuse is most likely why it was discontinued. Selling keys was a big no no, but people did it anyway. For evaluation only, not to be used in a live operating environment. MSDN is all there is now and its too expensive for most people. And at that price your not likely to abuse it and risk losing it.

windows8use · May 8, 2015

Thank you all guys! My friend workplace managed to upgrade to the Enterprise Windows 8.1 and keep apps, windows settings and personal data with the ISO file they get from Volume Licensing Service Center.

DeaconFrost · May 8, 2015

windows8use said:
Volume Licensing Service Center.

There we go. That's what I was referring to from the beginning. Glad it worked for him.

Solved Windows 8.1 Pro to Enterprise

Banned

My Computer

Banned

My Computer

New Member

My Computer

Banned

My Computer

Well-Known Member

My Computer

Banned

My Computer

slightly off center

My Computer

slightly off center

My Computer

New Member

My Computer

slightly off center

My Computer

New Member

My Computer

New Member

My Computer

slightly off center

My Computer

Banned

My Computer

New Member

My Computer