Unable to install Win 8 Pro on SSD - OEM install was Win 8

Mike Todd

New Member
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5
Purchased a new machine with the intent of adding a 250GB SSD of my choice (Samsung 840EVO) which HP could not guarantee would be installed on the build. 4th generation i7 machine came with Win 8 standard edition - 64 bit - 16GB mem - 2TB drive (also changing out the drive later for a WD Black).

I acquired two licenses for Win 8 Pro when they were offered by MS late last year. One of those was used to upgrade this machine's software to Pro.

Just received the 840EVO and installed.

Downloaded Win 8 Pro ISO and extracted files to DVD.

Disconnected the HDD. Ran DVD. Process started but at 'loading files' the message "The product key doesn't match any of the Windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key"

Also tried the process using a USB drive. Same result.

Checked the machine's product key code with Belarc Advisor. It shows the product key that I bought from Microsoft and used to upgrade Win 8 to Pro.

I also tried the installation process with the product code for the OEM installation. All result in the same message noted above.

Researching the issue I find one reference to a key in the registry to modify to reset the registration for allowing a reinstall of Win 8. Not sure that is valid and haven't tried it. Is this a legitimate option? The specific key I don't have in front of me but can find it again if that will work.

In the research I found references to steps for deleting hidden files (and changes in the BIOS) with the registration information allowing for a fresh install.

Reality is finding a reasonable path to installing Win 8 on the SSD (other programs will also be installed but that is for later when this issue is resolved).

My suspicion is I may need to load Win 8 standard on the SSD then do the upgrade to Pro?

BTW, I am not concerned about losing the HP utilities that come with the machine. Looking for a clean install of the OS.

I should also note that the upgrade path I took (which was suggested by the HP sales rep) is likely the culprit here.

Never had such a problem installing an OS. This goes back to pre-Windows days (skipping their Millennium Edition with very good reason!).

Any suggestions on an approach to take with this would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

-Mike
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 Pro 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Phoenix 800-030qe
    CPU
    i7 4th generation
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 - 24" One Samsung - One Dell
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    54Mb/sec +
    Browser
    various
    Antivirus
    Norton
Where did you download your install media from? Is it an upgrade version? I did a clean install of Windows 8 on my laptop that has an embedded key. I used my TechNet ISO which is multi edition. It has 8 and 8 Pro on it. It detected and used my embedded key and installed 8 core without asking for a key. I then upgrade to 8 Pro though add features. I can't go directly to 8 Pro, not without modifying the install media. I then use add features again to add Media Center. A lot of those key reading utilities read what's stored in the registry not what's stored in the BIOS. For me they read my Media Center key not my embedded key. RWeverything will read the embedded key, if you know where to look. There is a link in another thread about it, I'll see if I can find it and add it to this post.

http://www.eightforums.com/windows-...1-rtm-released-msdn-technet-8.html#post277218
http://www.eightforums.com/windows-...1-rtm-released-msdn-technet-8.html#post277230
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Welcome to EightForums.

Try reinstalling the HP manufacturer's install with OEM manufacturer's tools to the SSD.

OEM Recovery 001 theog.PNG

Than upgrade to Windows 8 Pro Pack.

To upgrade Windows 8 core, you need to use the Pro Pack.

To upgrade to Pro Pack
No install files needed.
Only the Upgrade key is need.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/6673-add-features-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
Alphanumeric,

Thanks for the reply. I used the MS Windows.Microsoft.com, and links from this site. Checked out RWeverything.com. Will try that to see if it provides a different key (which is likely the third key I am presuming is the OEM one I already tried). Downloaded the full meal deal. As noted in my original post I bought the licenses when MS offered Win 8 for $39.95 late last year through January of this year.

The link to TechNet is also appreciated. Will go that route since it worked in your instance. The results will get posted.

-Mike

Where did you download your install media from? Is it an upgrade version? I did a clean install of Windows 8 on my laptop that has an embedded key. I used my TechNet ISO which is multi edition. It has 8 and 8 Pro on it. It detected and used my embedded key and installed 8 core without asking for a key. I then upgrade to 8 Pro though add features. I can't go directly to 8 Pro, not without modifying the install media. I then use add features again to add Media Center. A lot of those key reading utilities read what's stored in the registry not what's stored in the BIOS. For me they read my Media Center key not my embedded key. RWeverything will read the embedded key, if you know where to look. There is a link in another thread about it, I'll see if I can find it and add it to this post.

http://www.eightforums.com/windows-...1-rtm-released-msdn-technet-8.html#post277218
http://www.eightforums.com/windows-...1-rtm-released-msdn-technet-8.html#post277230
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 Pro 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Phoenix 800-030qe
    CPU
    i7 4th generation
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 - 24" One Samsung - One Dell
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    54Mb/sec +
    Browser
    various
    Antivirus
    Norton
Theog,

Thanks for the information. This looks like a logical path. Pro Pack was a topic I came across but it was not clear from the sources how that played out in my case. Will incorporate that into the process. One question is will this also migrate the HP tools as well? My goals is a clean install w/out the excess ride-along HP programs.

-Mike

Welcome to EightForums.

Try reinstalling the HP manufacturer's install with OEM manufacturer's tools to the SSD.

View attachment 28611

Than upgrade to Windows 8 Pro Pack.

To upgrade Windows 8 core, you need to use the Pro Pack.

To upgrade to Pro Pack
No install files needed.
Only the Upgrade key is need.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/6673-add-features-windows-8-a.html
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 Pro 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Phoenix 800-030qe
    CPU
    i7 4th generation
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 - 24" One Samsung - One Dell
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    54Mb/sec +
    Browser
    various
    Antivirus
    Norton
Mike Todd said:
My goals is a clean install w/out the excess ride-along HP programs

Base NO, but check the HP Restore options.
 

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
Alphanumeric,

Thanks for the reply. I used the MS Windows.Microsoft.com, and links from this site. Checked out RWeverything.com. Will try that to see if it provides a different key (which is likely the third key I am presuming is the OEM one I already tried). Downloaded the full meal deal. As noted in my original post I bought the licenses when MS offered Win 8 for $39.95 late last year through January of this year.

The link to TechNet is also appreciated. Will go that route since it worked in your instance. The results will get posted.

-Mike

Where did you download your install media from? Is it an upgrade version? I did a clean install of Windows 8 on my laptop that has an embedded key. I used my TechNet ISO which is multi edition. It has 8 and 8 Pro on it. It detected and used my embedded key and installed 8 core without asking for a key. I then upgrade to 8 Pro though add features. I can't go directly to 8 Pro, not without modifying the install media. I then use add features again to add Media Center. A lot of those key reading utilities read what's stored in the registry not what's stored in the BIOS. For me they read my Media Center key not my embedded key. RWeverything will read the embedded key, if you know where to look. There is a link in another thread about it, I'll see if I can find it and add it to this post.

http://www.eightforums.com/windows-...1-rtm-released-msdn-technet-8.html#post277218
http://www.eightforums.com/windows-...1-rtm-released-msdn-technet-8.html#post277230

Ok, I missed that somehow, just wanted to make sure it wasn't an upgrade version. You can't download from TechNet without an account I'm afraid. It's a shame really as quit a few people just need the install media and they already have a license. The first time I did my clean install on my laptop after swapping in my SSD I had to download my ISO off of a bit torrent site. I didn't have my TechNet subscription at that time. I just compared the MD5 hash to what it should be for the TechNet ISO. Mine matched so I took the chance and used it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Unfortunately this strategy did not work. The "Repair" option takes me to an HP screen where my only option is to click a button that is supposed to connect me with HP help desk. Clicking that button takes me to a screen that admonishes me to try to repair the system myself. The "Next" button is grayed out so there is no option to proceed other than to reboot.

The "Repair" button does not say anything about it being an OEM install.

I have tried setting up an 8GB thumb drive with Win8 using each of the three Product Keys I own. Used Rufus to format with GPT partition scheme for UEFI. All give the same message.

Very likely I am overlooking something. Suggestions?

Theog,

Thanks for the information. This looks like a logical path. Pro Pack was a topic I came across but it was not clear from the sources how that played out in my case. Will incorporate that into the process. One question is will this also migrate the HP tools as well? My goals is a clean install w/out the excess ride-along HP programs.

-Mike

Welcome to EightForums.

Try reinstalling the HP manufacturer's install with OEM manufacturer's tools to the SSD.

View attachment 28611

Than upgrade to Windows 8 Pro Pack.

To upgrade Windows 8 core, you need to use the Pro Pack.

To upgrade to Pro Pack
No install files needed.
Only the Upgrade key is need.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/6673-add-features-windows-8-a.html
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 Pro 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Phoenix 800-030qe
    CPU
    i7 4th generation
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 - 24" One Samsung - One Dell
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    54Mb/sec +
    Browser
    various
    Antivirus
    Norton
This is "almost" becoming a comical endeavor! :cool:

I tried putting the Windows 8 files on a flash drive using my laptop (running Windows 7 Ultimate 64) using directions here. One of the Windows 8 licenses I purchased in January is for the laptop to which it was downloaded.

The process started and continued without asking for the product key. Now I know why. The product key from my January purchase was added during the process.

Of course, I end up with the same error when installing on the SSD in my desktop (the HDD disconnected). :(

I seem to be in a Mobius loop with this entire process. On the one hand I am told I cannot install a 'retail' version of Win8 on a SSD that will be part of this HP machine that came with Win8 Standard.

As Theog suggested, and seemed like the best and logical approach, was to reinstall the HP OEM version onto the SSD. Unfortunately that doesn't work, likely because I used one of my license keys to upgrade to Win8 Pro.

So, Scotty, how do I beam myself out of this and get the SSD up and running with Win8 Pro? :confused:

One thought is using a friends computer to run the installation of Win8 on the SSD using SATA/USB interface and utilizing my product code. Then reinstalling the SSD as the boot drive in my desktop machine, which is my goal.

Any help would be appreciated.

-Mike

P.S. It also occurs to me the way this may have to happen is to install Win8 Standard on the SSD using the HP OEM product key found using RW-Everything. Then, after reinstalling the SSD in the desktop, applying the upgrade to Win8 Pro using my license key.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 Pro 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Phoenix 800-030qe
    CPU
    i7 4th generation
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 - 24" One Samsung - One Dell
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    54Mb/sec +
    Browser
    various
    Antivirus
    Norton
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