Solved How to install Windows 8.1 with 8.1 OEM key?

nechimi

New Member
Messages
3
Hi everyone, I recently bought a laptop (Acer Aspire E1-572) that came with Windows 8.1. Since I really dislike bloatwares I want to do a clean install of 8.1. I tried to install the ISO images from Microsoft and when I enter the product key from my laptop (retrieved with Belarc), I get a message saying "This product key cannot be used to isntall a retail version of Windows 8.1".

Is there any way where I can do a fresh install of Windows 8.1? I tried some Google searches but what I found was mostly upgrading 8 to 8.1 with an 8.1 ISO. I also tried it with a generic key and also inputted my OEM key into the Windows 8 setup program from Microsoft.

Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
edit:

How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key? -> link
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
edit:

How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key? -> link
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
As Genet mentioned, if you can get hold of a Retail 8.1 ISO, it will automatically read you embedded OEM key from your BIOS and install the matching version. It's unfortunate but the other download you mentioned won't except OEM keys. The generic install keys are blocked for that download too. The ISO he listed is the official ISO what's available on TechNet and MSDN. You can't download from TechNet or MSDN without a subscription but you may be able to find it though other means. The SHA1 code will let you confirm that your ISO hasn't been altered.
 

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
OK, that's good to hear.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
:thumb:
 

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
I've got a copy of Win 8.1 Pro (retail version) on a USB thumb drive, that I created from the download. I'm wondering if I can use it to initiate a clean Win 8.1 install on an OEM machine, that had v 8.0 on it, that was upgraded to v8.1 with the free upgrade from the MS Update site, without having to use my retail product key? It sounds like (according to genet), that the BIOS will detect the Product key from the original WIn 8 install and use that key. That is what I want to happen, because I don't want to waste my fresh win 8.1 Pro key that I just bought to use on another system. The only difference in my case is that my OEM machine had v8.0 on it, instead of v8.1 from the factory. But maybe when I updated it to Win 8.1 with Windows Update, it may get a new key stored in the BIOS. Or maybe when I go to install v8.1 Pro, it won't let me, because it's the wrong version, even though it matches the latest installed version, thanks to the free update. I'm wondering if my Win 8.1 Pro version will install as the non pro version when the OEM BIOS recognizes that it has a key already. On the other hand, how would the OS or BIOS know, what I wanted to do. Maybe I really want to install Win 8.1 Pro as a fresh install, to avoid having to do a bunch of updates or because I actually want to upgrade to Pro? Maybe if I pay Microsoft the additional money to upgrade to Pro before upgrading my hard drive, then the BIOS may get the message that I am licensed for the Pro version and allow me to install it and keep the OEM key, and allow me to save my retail key. Any ideas, guys?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIN 8.1
My TechNet 8.1 ISO's won't use the 8.0 OEM BIOS in my laptop I get prompted to enter a key. You'll likely end up in the same Situation. You'll have to do this, http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html My TechNet ISO's are multi edition and can install Core or Pro depending on what product code you enter during setup. If you downloaded 8.1 Pro from here, http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html?filter it may not except a Core key. What you get in the download depends on what key you enter. Enter a Core key and you get Core, enter a Pro key and you get Pro. Could you let me know what works and what doesn't for future reference please.
 

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
edit:

How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key? -> link
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
Re-install Windows 8.1 OEM version. Dont have the disc.

Hi guys.I am having the same problem as(NECHIMI) had.I want to reinstall the OEM verion of my Windows 8.1. But the thing is that i dont have the windows installation disc.You can say i lost it.When i downloaded the Windows setup from Microsoft and insert the product key. It says- "This product key cannot be used to isntall a retail version of Windows 8.1"I want to re-install Windows 8.1 OEM version on the same laptop.So is there any alternate to reinstall the windows.Reply ASAPThankyou..!!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inc.
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core i7@1.80GhHz
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    INTEL HD Graphic Card+AMD HD 8760 2GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15'
    Screen Resolution
    1366X768
    Hard Drives
    1TB
    Antivirus
    McAfee
So I have to download the Windows 8.1 installer from Microsoft's "Upgrade Windows with only a product key" page and then run it?

You can't download from Microsoft's page, if you have Windows 8.1 OEM product key.

1) Download Windows 8.1 64-bit ISO image.

Windows 8.1 with Update (multiple editions) (x64) - DVD (English)
Release Date: 4/2/2014
File Name: en_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4065090.iso
File Size: 3924 MB
SHA1: 4652DC6EBFEBE02C6A63E167C36E3FAEDFB93999

2) Install Windows 8.1

You have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8.1 product key. The Windows 8.1 installer (when you install Windows 8.1 from DVD/USB) will detect the product key from UEFI firmware (BIOS) and activate Windows 8.1 automatically.

edit: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-8-a.html

Sorry to bump an old thread but where do i download the following from?

1) Download Windows 8.1 64-bit ISO image.

Windows 8.1 with Update (multiple editions) (x64) - DVD (English)
Release Date: 4/2/2014
File Name: en_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4065090.iso
File Size: 3924 MB
SHA1: 4652DC6EBFEBE02C6A63E167C36E3FAEDFB93999
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Sorry to bump an old thread but where do i download the following from?

edit:

How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key? -> link
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
Thanks I'll have a search tonight
It's a pain not having recovery disks. My SSD died on Saturday (going back for warranty replacement)
Other Windows 8 images ask for product key, hopefully 8.1 works as Acer informed me it should be in bios
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Thanks I'll have a search tonight
It's a pain not having recovery disks. My SSD died on Saturday (going back for warranty replacement)
Other Windows 8 images ask for product key, hopefully 8.1 works as Acer informed me it should be in bios

My laptop came with 8.0 Core. If I do the install with my 8.0 TechNet ISO it reads and uses the embedded OEM BIOS key. If I use my 8.1 ISO it ignores the BIOS key and prompts me to enter one. It likely works the other way too. If your key is an 8.1 key an 8.0 ISO may not except it. The other thing that can mess you up is if the original factory install was a "Single Language" version. If it is, you need a Single language ISO to use the OEM key. That's what I've been reading anyway. I haven't run into that issue myself, not yet anyway. I don't use my embedded keys anymore any way. I'm running 8.1 on all my PC's using my TechNet keys. The Single Language ISO's can be hard to find. They aren't listed for me on TechNet or MSDN. Not at my subscription level anyway.
 

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
So I have to download the Windows 8.1 installer from Microsoft's "Upgrade Windows with only a product key" page and then run it?

You can't download from Microsoft's page, if you have Windows 8.1 OEM product key.

1) Download Windows 8.1 64-bit ISO image.

Windows 8.1 with Update (multiple editions) (x64) - DVD (English)
Release Date: 4/2/2014
File Name: en_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4065090.iso
File Size: 3924 MB
SHA1: 4652DC6EBFEBE02C6A63E167C36E3FAEDFB93999

2) Install Windows 8.1

You have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8.1 product key. The Windows 8.1 installer (when you install Windows 8.1 from DVD/USB) will detect the product key from UEFI firmware (BIOS) and activate Windows 8.1 automatically.

edit: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-8-a.html


how to download the said file.. cannot see a link.. pls do help.. kind of desperate..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
So I have to download the Windows 8.1 installer from Microsoft's "Upgrade Windows with only a product key" page and then run it?

You can't download from Microsoft's page, if you have Windows 8.1 OEM product key.

1) Download Windows 8.1 64-bit ISO image.

Windows 8.1 with Update (multiple editions) (x64) - DVD (English)
Release Date: 4/2/2014
File Name: en_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4065090.iso
File Size: 3924 MB
SHA1: 4652DC6EBFEBE02C6A63E167C36E3FAEDFB93999

2) Install Windows 8.1

You have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8.1 product key. The Windows 8.1 installer (when you install Windows 8.1 from DVD/USB) will detect the product key from UEFI firmware (BIOS) and activate Windows 8.1 automatically.

edit: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-8-a.html


how to download the said file.. cannot see a link.. pls do help.. kind of desperate..

You'll have to search for it on the Internet and find a download on your own. We are not allowed to post a link to unofficial download sites. The mods would edit them out if we did. Google search the file name en_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4065090.iso and you should find what your looking for. Once its downloaded compare its hash code to what's posted above. The SHA1 code.
 

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

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
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