Windows 8 PRO - How long before activation required

jimbo45

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Hi there
I want to try out one or two options on a Virtual machine with W8 Pro. There's no problem entering a product key at install time but is there anyway to stop it automatically trying to activate as soon as you have an Internet connection - and how long does it give you before requiring activation.

W7 gave you 30 days (usually) or in rare cases 3 days.

3 Days is fine for what I want to test -- I usually use W8 enterprise which has multiple activations / VL so it's not an issue for that product.

Any W8 PRO users here who can give answers on this one.

This seems a bit of a bo bo by Ms -- surely Ms knows people want to test stuff with a VM -- so why did they 1) enforce a product key at install time (except for W8 enterprise where you can enter it afterwards) and 2) seem to require immediate activation.

(I've no problem entering a product key AFTER installation -- sometimes you just want to test if the installed VM will BOOT and then not do anything else or even if the VM will INSTALL at all).

I'm not trying to "Pirate" anything here - but surely if you are developing or testing something you shouldn't have to keep having to activate a product until you've finalized your configuration. In any case Ms will only allow so many activations in a given period - so obviously they've forgotten about testers / developers / just plain "tinkerers" etc.

They perhaps should create a "developers edition" license which has slightly different rules. I know if I were running a software company I'd create that sort of license since the usefulness of the product is hugely enhanced by 1000's of developers worldwide who create applications and even hardware that o9riginally people never even thought of.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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I cannot bypass the key prompt here...

If you need online connection for the VM then work will be more difficult in this "no-key" situation case so it seems.

I'm not sure what the solution would be.

I guess you're testing Hyper-V. :)
 

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I use the 90 day for testing.
 

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I use the 90 day for testing.

Hi theog

The 90 day is W8 ENTERPRISE which gives me no problems anyway as I already have a FULL legit VL (Volume License) copy.

The scenario I want to test is specifically W8 PRO. (Similar but definitely not the same as W8 Enterprise).

@Hopachi

-- entering the serial number isn't actually an issue -- it's avoiding Automatic activation when I'm on the Internet on the VM . I can do enough testing in 3 days for any one set of configuration options.

I need the VM to be online too while I'm testing so disabling the Internet isn't an answer either.

Thanks

Cheers
jimbo
 

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This seems a bit of a bo bo by Ms -- surely Ms knows people want to test stuff with a VM -- so why did they 1) enforce a product key at install time (except for W8 enterprise where you can enter it afterwards) and 2) seem to require immediate activation.

(I've no problem entering a product key AFTER installation -- sometimes you just want to test if the installed VM will BOOT and then not do anything else or even if the VM will INSTALL at all).

I'm not trying to "Pirate" anything here - but surely if you are developing or testing something you shouldn't have to keep having to activate a product until you've finalized your configuration. In any case Ms will only allow so many activations in a given period - so obviously they've forgotten about testers / developers / just plain "tinkerers" etc.

They perhaps should create a "developers edition" license which has slightly different rules. I know if I were running a software company I'd create that sort of license since the usefulness of the product is hugely enhanced by 1000's of developers worldwide who create applications and even hardware that o9riginally people never even thought of.

Cheers
jimbo

Jimbo, why are you not using Technet or MSDN for this testing & developing work? Microsoft did not overlook anything but instead have 2 programs for testers and developers to test all sorts of products.
 

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MSDN is what I use at work. With Windows 8 Pro, I get 5 retail keys and they will allow multiple activations. I really don't think you should HAVE to activate immediately, but it seems that is what they have done. I agree with you, 3 or 30 days for just testing, playing and poking would have been nice.

I don't see enough difference between Pro and Enterprise to really make much of a difference for me. I use enterprise for about 95% of my testing where I don't have to input a key. For those situations where I really have to use Pro, I just burn an activation on an MSDN key. I've never run into a situation where my keys completely quit. It seems your activation #'s reset after a period of time, because I have had keys that refused to activate at one point and later were able to be used again.
 

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Hi there
I was testing W8 PRO for a friend who doesn't have Enterprise and doesn't want to commit to buying until he's sure it works and is "fit for purpose" in his environment and "Me being nice and kind offered to trial it for him " !!!

- and while I agree there's not a huge amount of difference there is enough. - for example Windows Media Center doesn't apply to Enterprise.

I do have a TechNet subscription - but I can only get the W8 Enterprise as VL, Windows 8 PRO allows 3 Keys at my level of subscription -- and I really don't want to waste these by activating when I only want to test for a short time various configurations.
I know that these can be activated a few times but it seems an unnecessary hassle.

W8 Enterprise install anyway doesn't require a key immediately. W8 PRO does.


Windows 7 doesn't require immediate activation -- the same should really apply to W8. Once it's tested and configuration settled then IMO it's time to activate these -- and in any case TechNet versions of software are only really intended to be used in development / testing so the whole activation thing seems rather strange anyway -- or instead of multiple keys all products on TechNet should be VL -- then Ms could also easily control "un authorized" users of VL editions.

Anyway that's the reason for the query.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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W8 Enterprise install anyway doesn't require a key immediately. W8 PRO does.


Windows 7 doesn't require immediate activation -- the same should really apply to W8. Once it's tested and configuration settled then IMO it's time to activate these -- and in any case TechNet versions of software are only really intended to be used in development / testing so the whole activation thing seems rather strange anyway -- or instead of multiple keys all products on TechNet should be VL -- then Ms could also easily control "un authorized" users of VL editions.

Yeah, I think the instant authentication is to help mitigate against piracy by not giving you time in the OS to come up with a method to circumvent it.

I totally know where you are coming from. For the types of things I test, enterprise works ok. MS should come up with some type of "proof of concept" license. It lets you install and test for something like 7 days...and then it simply self destructs. No chance to activate, etc. Once you know your proof of concept is fine, they grab and use a real license.
 

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I do have a TechNet subscription - but I can only get the W8 Enterprise as VL, Windows 8 PRO allows 3 Keys at my level of subscription -- and I really don't want to waste these by activating when I only want to test for a short time various configurations.
I know that these can be activated a few times but it seems an unnecessary hassle.

W8 Enterprise install anyway doesn't require a key immediately. W8 PRO does.

Windows 7 doesn't require immediate activation -- the same should really apply to W8. Once it's tested and configuration settled then IMO it's time to activate these -- and in any case TechNet versions of software are only really intended to be used in development / testing so the whole activation thing seems rather strange anyway -- or instead of multiple keys all products on TechNet should be VL -- then Ms could also easily control "un authorized" users of VL editions
jimbo

Below is a response I recently received from Microsoft concerning the number of activations allowed per license key. I have read that the same rule applies to Windows 8.

Thank you for contacting the TechNet subscriptions team in regards to your key inquiry.

I understand the importance of the information that you are requesting.

Windows 7 and Office keys can be activated up to 10 times on different computers and up to 50 in one machine. Please keep in mind that making changes to a computer's hardware will cause the key to recognize it as a different computer.

Thank you
for your interest in the TechNet program.


If there is anything else I can do for you, or you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to let me know. You can reply directly to this email, or to speak to us by phone, please call 800-344-2121. We are available Monday through Friday, from 5:30AM to 5:30PM, Pacific. Thank you for contacting Microsoft. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
 

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W8 Enterprise install anyway doesn't require a key immediately. W8 PRO does.


Windows 7 doesn't require immediate activation -- the same should really apply to W8. Once it's tested and configuration settled then IMO it's time to activate these -- and in any case TechNet versions of software are only really intended to be used in development / testing so the whole activation thing seems rather strange anyway -- or instead of multiple keys all products on TechNet should be VL -- then Ms could also easily control "un authorized" users of VL editions.

Yeah, I think the instant authentication is to help mitigate against piracy by not giving you time in the OS to come up with a method to circumvent it.

I totally know where you are coming from. For the types of things I test, enterprise works ok. MS should come up with some type of "proof of concept" license. It lets you install and test for something like 7 days...and then it simply self destructs. No chance to activate, etc. Once you know your proof of concept is fine, they grab and use a real license.

We do... It's called MSDN.

Also, VL is only for the Enterprise SKU so you will absolutely need a key for PRO. Since you can run through activation multiple times, you shouldn't have a problem. The PRO SKU should be available for you on MSDN/TechNet.
 

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Is there any way to block Microsoft activation server using either a hosts file, firewall port blocking, or proxy between your VM and the internet? There is plenty of information how to avoid blocking of activation and validation due to these causes.

When you try to activate Office programs over the Internet, you receive an error message

ports 80, 443 etc.

Ports That Are Used by Windows Product Activation Oleksiy Gayda's Tech Blog: Tips: Windows activation firewall rules

I don't know if any grace period after rearming is possible with Windows 8 Pro, but there are still 1000 rearms in the Windows 8 Pro upgrade download, just like there were in the Release Preview.

Of course circumventing Activation and Validation of your software is a violation of the EULA, so there's probably good reason not to go along that path.
 

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Is there any way to block Microsoft activation server using either a hosts file, firewall port blocking, or proxy between your VM and the internet? There is plenty of information how to avoid blocking of activation and validation due to these causes.

When you try to activate Office programs over the Internet, you receive an error message

ports 80, 443 etc.

Ports That Are Used by Windows Product Activation Oleksiy Gayda's Tech Blog: Tips: Windows activation firewall rules

I don't know if any grace period after rearming is possible with Windows 8 Pro, but there are still 1000 rearms in the Windows 8 Pro upgrade download, just like there were in the Release Preview.

You can block ports all day but that won't help you skip the prompt in the install process unless you start hacking up the installer...
 

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I am not sure which prompt is being referred to - this one?
Screenshot (1).png

You do not need to be online to install Windows 8.
 

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    Browser
    Chrome Canary usually
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    no Start menu modifications
    Upgraded with no issues to 8.0 and to 8.1
I do have a TechNet subscription - but I can only get the W8 Enterprise as VL, Windows 8 PRO allows 3 Keys at my level of subscription -- and I really don't want to waste these by activating when I only want to test for a short time various configurations.
I know that these can be activated a few times but it seems an unnecessary hassle.

W8 Enterprise install anyway doesn't require a key immediately. W8 PRO does.

Windows 7 doesn't require immediate activation -- the same should really apply to W8. Once it's tested and configuration settled then IMO it's time to activate these -- and in any case TechNet versions of software are only really intended to be used in development / testing so the whole activation thing seems rather strange anyway -- or instead of multiple keys all products on TechNet should be VL -- then Ms could also easily control "un authorized" users of VL editions
jimbo

Below is a response I recently received from Microsoft concerning the number of activations allowed per license key. I have read that the same rule applies to Windows 8.

Thank you for contacting the TechNet subscriptions team in regards to your key inquiry.

I understand the importance of the information that you are requesting.

Windows 7 and Office keys can be activated up to 10 times on different computers and up to 50 in one machine. Please keep in mind that making changes to a computer's hardware will cause the key to recognize it as a different computer.

Thank you
for your interest in the TechNet program.


If there is anything else I can do for you, or you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to let me know. You can reply directly to this email, or to speak to us by phone, please call 800-344-2121. We are available Monday through Friday, from 5:30AM to 5:30PM, Pacific. Thank you for contacting Microsoft. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Hi there.
Thanks for the info --

I like pparks1 idea though -- 7 days and then "Self destruct" -- this would work fine -- also the POC idea is fine -- that's basically what I wanted for my friend -- test it in the configuration he wanted to use - and then if it was OK he'd buy the license.

I can envision a huge number of cases where even on the same machine a software developer might want to try all sorts of hardware / different CPU's etc etc -- especially if they were developing gaming type software.

In the gaming development environment the 10 activations might quickly run out especially if you were testing your game on a mobo replacing it with various CPU's and graphic cards to ascertain the games performance - whereas if the program could be used for a few days before activation the developer wouldn't have a problem.

(And before we get the inevitable bovine reply -- if you were a gaming software developer your company would have a VL license anyway -- maybe if you work for a well established company -- but what if you were an individual or a "start up" where - especially in these times with Banks not lending anything except to those who don't need a loan anyway) you might as I said be an individual or a "start up" where every cent counts and you certainly couldn't afford a VL license.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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Hi there
I was testing W8 PRO for a friend who doesn't have Enterprise and doesn't want to commit to buying until he's sure it works and is "fit for purpose" in his environment and "Me being nice and kind offered to trial it for him " !!!

- and while I agree there's not a huge amount of difference there is enough. - for example Windows Media Center doesn't apply to Enterprise.

I do have a TechNet subscription - but I can only get the W8 Enterprise as VL, Windows 8 PRO allows 3 Keys at my level of subscription -- and I really don't want to waste these by activating when I only want to test for a short time various configurations.
I know that these can be activated a few times but it seems an unnecessary hassle.

W8 Enterprise install anyway doesn't require a key immediately. W8 PRO does.


Windows 7 doesn't require immediate activation -- the same should really apply to W8. Once it's tested and configuration settled then IMO it's time to activate these -- and in any case TechNet versions of software are only really intended to be used in development / testing so the whole activation thing seems rather strange anyway -- or instead of multiple keys all products on TechNet should be VL -- then Ms could also easily control "un authorized" users of VL editions.

Anyway that's the reason for the query.

Cheers
jimbo

To install windows 8 pro without product key (I assume that you make Windows 8 install media on a USB drive instead of DVD)
-Go to sources folder in the install media
-Make a notepad file and copy this:
[EditionID]
Core
[Channel]
Retail
[VL]
0
Change Core to Professional (for Windows 8 Pro)

-save it as ei.cfg
 
Last edited:

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Hi there
I was testing W8 PRO for a friend who doesn't have Enterprise and doesn't want to commit to buying until he's sure it works and is "fit for purpose" in his environment and "Me being nice and kind offered to trial it for him " !!!

- and while I agree there's not a huge amount of difference there is enough. - for example Windows Media Center doesn't apply to Enterprise.

I do have a TechNet subscription - but I can only get the W8 Enterprise as VL, Windows 8 PRO allows 3 Keys at my level of subscription -- and I really don't want to waste these by activating when I only want to test for a short time various configurations.
I know that these can be activated a few times but it seems an unnecessary hassle.

W8 Enterprise install anyway doesn't require a key immediately. W8 PRO does.


Windows 7 doesn't require immediate activation -- the same should really apply to W8. Once it's tested and configuration settled then IMO it's time to activate these -- and in any case TechNet versions of software are only really intended to be used in development / testing so the whole activation thing seems rather strange anyway -- or instead of multiple keys all products on TechNet should be VL -- then Ms could also easily control "un authorized" users of VL editions.

Anyway that's the reason for the query.

Cheers
jimbo

To install windows 8 pro without product key (I assume that you make Windows 8 install media on a USB drive instead of DVD)
-Go to sources folder in the install media
-Make a notepad file and copy this:
[EditionID]
Core
[Channel]
Retail
[VL]
0
Change Core to Professional (for Windows 8 Pro)

-save it as ei.cfg

Hi there
Thanks for the info -- I'm always greatful for a bit of knowledge and I'll try that later - but what happens when you boot after installing .

Does it boot and allow a bit of use before requiring a product key and activation - and what happens if you need the latest updates before activating - as I think Ms always checks for "Genuine Windows" which will only pass if the product is activated.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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    1 X LG 40 inch TV
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    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Hi there
I was testing W8 PRO for a friend who doesn't have Enterprise and doesn't want to commit to buying until he's sure it works and is "fit for purpose" in his environment and "Me being nice and kind offered to trial it for him " !!!

- and while I agree there's not a huge amount of difference there is enough. - for example Windows Media Center doesn't apply to Enterprise.

I do have a TechNet subscription - but I can only get the W8 Enterprise as VL, Windows 8 PRO allows 3 Keys at my level of subscription -- and I really don't want to waste these by activating when I only want to test for a short time various configurations.
I know that these can be activated a few times but it seems an unnecessary hassle.

W8 Enterprise install anyway doesn't require a key immediately. W8 PRO does.


Windows 7 doesn't require immediate activation -- the same should really apply to W8. Once it's tested and configuration settled then IMO it's time to activate these -- and in any case TechNet versions of software are only really intended to be used in development / testing so the whole activation thing seems rather strange anyway -- or instead of multiple keys all products on TechNet should be VL -- then Ms could also easily control "un authorized" users of VL editions.

Anyway that's the reason for the query.

Cheers
jimbo

To install windows 8 pro without product key (I assume that you make Windows 8 install media on a USB drive instead of DVD)
-Go to sources folder in the install media
-Make a notepad file and copy this:
[EditionID]
Core
[Channel]
Retail
[VL]
0
Change Core to Professional (for Windows 8 Pro)

-save it as ei.cfg

Hi there
Thanks for the info -- I'm always greatful for a bit of knowledge and I'll try that later - but what happens when you boot after installing .

Does it boot and allow a bit of use before requiring a product key and activation - and what happens if you need the latest updates before activating - as I think Ms always checks for "Genuine Windows" which will only pass if the product is activated.

Cheers
jimbo

The setup will be basically the same as Windows 7, asking product key on OOBE, where you can skip it.
 

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  • OS
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    Lenovo Y520
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    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
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    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
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    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
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    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM
To install windows 8 pro without product key (I assume that you make Windows 8 install media on a USB drive instead of DVD)
-Go to sources folder in the install media
-Make a notepad file and copy this:

Change Core to Professional (for Windows 8 Pro)

-save it as ei.cfg

Hi there
Thanks for the info -- I'm always greatful for a bit of knowledge and I'll try that later - but what happens when you boot after installing .

Does it boot and allow a bit of use before requiring a product key and activation - and what happens if you need the latest updates before activating - as I think Ms always checks for "Genuine Windows" which will only pass if the product is activated.

Cheers
jimbo

The setup will be basically the same as Windows 7, asking product key on OOBE, where you can skip it.

Hi there.

Not the answer to the question -- What happens on FIRST BOOT of the installed OS and what happens if you need to download and install the latest updates.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
First boot as usual, it will be normal just like any retail windows without a product key inserted, and it will run on 30 days grace period.

First boot is to OOBE, where you will be asked for product key (a skip button is available), Name and password and preferences.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
    Motherboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 (2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Proteus Core
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM
First boot as usual, it will be normal just like any retail windows without a product key inserted, and it will run on 30 days grace period.

First boot is to OOBE, where you will be asked for product key (a skip button is available), Name and password and preferences.

Hi there
Thanks for the info --that's what I wanted

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
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