How can I find the right Windows 8 ISO for my product key?

Hi,

My company gave me a Windows 8 Enterprise product key, which I'm trying to use to upgrade a version of Windows I'm running. I visited this link -- Upgrade Windows with only a product key - Microsoft Windows Help , clicked the "Install Windows 8" button, ran the setup file that downloaded, and when prompted for the product key, entered it, only to see the message

The product key cannot be used to install a retail version of Windows 8

Is there another ISO I should be using? Ultimately I'm trying to get an ISO for use with my VMWare Fusion 6 install running on my Mac (10.9.1). I'm confident the product key given to me by my company is legit, but it obviously isn't a retail product key, probably some kind of corporate key or the equivalent.

Thanks for your help, - Dave

You can ask your Company IT Administrator to download a ISO from the Company's MS account.

When I make this request I want to be as specific as possible so when you say "from the Company's MS account", what URL are they visiting? Also so that they avoid the mistake I made, is there a specific file or type of ISO they're looking for? For example, my file was called "9600.16384.WINBLUE_RTM.130821-1623_X64FRE_ENTERPRISE_EVAL_EN-US-IRM_CENA_X64FREE_EN-US_DV5.ISO", which turned out to be the wrong version.

The Retail ISO lets you install 8.x (Core) or 8.x Pro. There is also Volume License 8.x Pro ISO, plus Windows 8.x Enterprise ISO. The one you listed above looks like the free 90 day evaluation version. The 64 bit English 8.1 ISO listed on TechNet is en_windows_8_1_enterprise_x64_dvd_2971902.iso. The 8.0 ISO listed on TechNet is en_windows_8_enterprise_x64_dvd_917522.iso. Hope that helps.

You are right -- the 30 day trial evaluation is what I downloaded. I want the Windows 8 enterprise edition. Is the ISO you mentioned still available? I visited here

Download Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation

selected my version, clicked "Get Started Now," logged into my MSN account, but then was routed back here

TechNet Evaluation Center

and there is no link for the Windows 8 Enterprise download. Is MS no longer supporting this or is there another way I can get the ISO you mentioned?

laredotornado said:

You are right -- the 30 day trial evaluation is what I downloaded. I want the Windows 8 enterprise edition. Is the ISO you mentioned still available? I visited here

Download Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation

selected my version, clicked "Get Started Now," logged into my MSN account, but then was routed back here

TechNet Evaluation Center

and there is no link for the Windows 8 Enterprise download. Is MS no longer supporting this or is there another way I can get the ISO you mentioned?

Click to expand...

You can ask your Company IT Administrator to download a ISO from the Company's MS account.

You again ...


I take it from your same reply you don't know the answers to my follow up questions about that, being, what URL are they visiting? Also so that they avoid the mistake I made, is there a specific file or type of ISO they're looking for? For example, my file was called "9600.16384.WINBLUE_RTM.130821-1623_X64FRE_ENTERPRISE_EVAL_EN-US-IRM_CENA_X64FREE_EN-US_DV5.ISO", which turned out to be the wrong version.

I would say your Company IT Administrator has a DVD on his/her desk.

laredotornado said:

You are right -- the 30 day trial evaluation is what I downloaded. I want the Windows 8 enterprise edition. Is the ISO you mentioned still available? I visited here

Download Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation

selected my version, clicked "Get Started Now," logged into my MSN account, but then was routed back here


TechNet Evaluation Center

and there is no link for the Windows 8 Enterprise download. Is MS no longer supporting this or is there another way I can get the ISO you mentioned?

Click to expand...

You can't download the full (non trial) versions from Microsoft without a TechNet or MSDN subscription. Like Theog posted, your IT Pro will have to get it for you.

Thanks for establishing that my IT Pro will need to get it for me. Do you happen to know where they need to go to do this? We have a big company and if I don't make it really clear for them I have a suspicion they won't want to go digging around (like I'm doing now).

He or she should know where to get the install media. If they can get a key they should have no problem getting the matching Media from Microsoft. If Enterprise is already installed on company PC's they already have the media. If they or the company has a TechNet or MSDN subscription they can download it from there.