Simple Trickery to download the 8.1 ISO!

Hi,

Not sure if this was posted or not.

But here we go

Download the Windows 8.1 ISO using a Windows 8 key and some simple trickery

[Admin Edit] - Method originally found here - http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/33164-how-download-windows-8-1-iso.html

 

[acr731]

I found a post on this board yesterday (http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/33164-how-download-windows-8-1-iso.html), but thanks just the same. The tutorial works just fine. I used an installation key found in the thread, and the Win8 key (for activation) that I received for $30 when Win8 was released last year.

FYI, Microsoft still hasn't corrected the blurry text issue, but that doesn't surprise me in the least. I also have some compatibility issues with IE11 and some sites I visit.

 

[my2cents]

Hi phrozen ghost,

Just an FYI that I tried it and it didn't work for me personally. Now, as all installations are different, this issue could possibly be related to the fact that I did a clean install using an 8.1 RTM ISO previously, so it may work for others. Anyway, all I got out of that trick was a Microsoft account that I really didn't want; however, anticipating that it may work for some, thanks for posting that link but I feel that some others may have complications as well. OK, time for a System Image Restore. Good luck.

 

[acr731]

Hi phrozen ghost,

Just an FYI that I tried it and it didn't work for me personally. Now, as all installations are different, this issue could possibly be related to the fact that I did a clean install using an 8.1 RTM ISO previously, so it may work for others. Anyway, all I got out of that trick was a Microsoft account that I really didn't want; however, anticipating that it may work for some, thanks for posting that link but I feel that some others may have complications as well. OK, time for a System Image Restore. Good luck.

I went through the steps on a Win7x64 system, which might explain why it worked fine for me.

 

[my2cents]

I went through the steps on a Win7x64 system, which might explain why it worked fine for me.

Thanks for that followup acr731. Yes, my situation is most likely the rarest case where I did an 8.1 RTM ISO install and then used a workaround to authentic my installation prior to the 8.1 upgrade even being available via the Windows Store. Moreover, I never even received a notice that the upgrade was available so I had to force it to reveal its ugly self via a browser access command. Anyway, glad it worked for some but I can tell you that it will not work for all. I've already done my system image restoral so I'm good-to-go once again!

 

[alphanumeric]

I've done it on my Windows 7 desktop and my Windows 8.1 RTM desktop. Worked fine both times. I was expecting to get locked out on my 8.1 desktop but had no problems. Its running a clean install of 8.1 Pro that was upgraded with Media Center. I'm not sure if it matters but It was activated with a Retail Windows 8 Pro key, and then a Media Center key. I used an 8 Pro key to download on the 7 desktop and an 8 core key on the 8.1 desktop. So now I have a 8.1 GA core and an 8.1 GA Pro ISO.

 

[my2cents]

It was activated with a Retail Windows 8 Pro key

Mine also.

I used an 8 Pro key to download on the 7 desktop

I did not have that option.

8 core key on the 8.1 desktop

I never made it to the key prompt. It finished right after it created the MS account.

 

[alphanumeric]

I was never prompted to create a Microsoft account or log in with one on that web page, that may be because I already have one though and was logged into my 8.1 PC with it.

EDIT: I have MSDN Keys for Core and Pro so that's what I used. Now if your wondering why I didn't just download from TechNet or MSDN, they only have the RTM builds available. Last time I checked only the new Enterprise and VL editions had been added.

 

[my2cents]

I was never prompted to create a Microsoft account or log in with one on that web page, that may be because I already have one though and was logged into my 8.1 PC with it.

Thanks for that! I always setup as a Local account so that is a difference that may enter into play for my issue.

I have MSDN Keys for Core and Pro so that's what I used.

How is that possible when (I thought) the 8.1 upgrade requires a full 8.0 license key?

they only have the RTM builds available

I did my 8.1 RTM install initially with a valid RTM key and then switched to my legitimate 8.0 key to authenticate the installation. Never received an update notification from the Store to upgrade to Win 8.1 and my installation has been legally authenticated via MS phone procedure.

Anyway, no need to specifically respond to the above. Right now, I am in the process of yet another workaround to try and grab that ISO; however, I am sure that my previously reported experience has something to do with (maybe just) my specific upgrade path. I'll post my results shortly. Thank you.

 

[my2cents]

OK team,

It worked perfectly for me on the second try. I am absolutely certain that it was a cockpit error on my part that was responsible for the first failed attempt. With that admission of guilt, I have removed all of my no-go responses due to inaccurate information provided within (by me).

So, if any of your cumulative responses were geared toward assisting me further, I thank you all for that; however, it might be a good idea to remove those as well to keep this thread as clean as possible.

Thanks to phrozen ghost for the great find and thanks to all who responded to my specific issue that turned out not to be an issue at all!

Best regards,

my2cents

 

[my2cents]

@phrozen ghost: Unfortunately, I can't rep you or the others that helped me but I owe you all one and you'll get one from me elsewhere. However, I think the admin should consider moving this to a more appropriate place where the OP can get repped for such an important find! So, waddaya say Brink?

 

[z3r010]

Nothing new, we've known about this for days, in fact the entire article originates from this post http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/33164-how-download-windows-8-1-iso.html

 

[my2cents]

Nothing new, we've known about this for days, in fact the entire article originates from this post http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/33164-how-download-windows-8-1-iso.html

Ok, thanks for that's for that information so that's two I've missed today!

 

[my2cents]

OK, one more time. So, now I have the 8.1 ISO and I can find no way to make productive use of it. Specifically, I cant find any way to get it to work with my legitimate Win 8.0 key. Believe me, I have tried every angle to get it to work and it is a no-go all the way around for me (again). So, I'm really hoping I don't make it a "3 for 3" wrong in this thread. With that said, I will ask:

Has anyone found a way (actually tried) to use this Win 8.1 ISO with a legitimate 8.0 Pro key to do a clean install on a non-OEM machine? This article somewhat supports my current position that it simply cannot be done without a legitimate 8.1 key. Now, if all holds true, what is the benefit of having it?

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-upgrade-woes

 

[z3r010]

Is this any help? - http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html

 

[my2cents]

Is this any help? - http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html

Thanks for the suggestion z3r010 but I'm either not explaining myself well today or your link is actually related to just the upgrade process.

Here is my specific issue.

I have already installed the Windows 8.1 upgrade and everything is running smoothly.
I (along with others) would really like to have the 8.1 ISO to be able to do a clean install.
I found this thread to be able to download the Win 8.1 ISO.
However, when I try to invoke a clean install over my existing Win 8.1 installation, the Win 8 pro key is not recognized, yet is is activated in my current Win 8.1 installation.



So, if I have missed something (yet again) just respond with "put on your glasses" and I'll scour that thread again but I'm just not doing so well today so maybe I need another vacation.

Thanks again,

my2cents

 

[z3r010]

I just skimmed it and spotted clean install in the text, I thought you installed it with one of the default keys at the bottom of the post then changed it once installed, I've not fully read the thread or needed to do it so I'm not fully up on the procedure.

Hope you find a solution.

 

[my2cents]

I just skimmed it and spotted clean install in the text, I thought you installed it with one of the default keys at the bottom of the post then changed it once installed, I've not fully read the thread or needed to do it so I'm not fully up on the procedure.

Hope you find a solution.

Ok bossman, that makes me 3 for 3 today! I did not go that far down and I apologize for that (again). So, this ISO may not really be any better that the Tchnet one for general use because you have to use a special key and then change it thereafter which is actually the same as what I did before; however, your additional post makes it clear that I am not reading everything that is required. Anyway, I can see where it might be very useful for others that did not have Technet access. Thanks for taking the time to clarify this issue. I am a perfect 3 for 3 today and it seems I am slowly becoming my own worst enemy. Thanks to all and I'll post next when I return on 11/15!

my2cents

 

[acr731]

OK, one more time. So, now I have the 8.1 ISO and I can find no way to make productive use of it. Specifically, I cant find any way to get it to work with my legitimate Win 8.0 key. Believe me, I have tried every angle to get it to work and it is a no-go all the way around for me (again). So, I'm really hoping I don't make it a "3 for 3" wrong in this thread. With that said, I will ask:

Has anyone found a way (actually tried) to use this Win 8.1 ISO with a legitimate 8.0 Pro key to do a clean install on a non-OEM machine? This article somewhat supports my current position that it simply cannot be done without a legitimate 8.1 key. Now, if all holds true, what is the benefit of having it?

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-upgrade-woes

Just curious, but are you trying to use your retail Win8 key during the installation? If so you will never get it to work. You need to use an installation key, then use your retail key for activation after installing the OS. The install key is here: http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/33164-how-download-windows-8-1-iso-2.html. Look about half way down the page.

 

[alphanumeric]

OK, one more time. So, now I have the 8.1 ISO and I can find no way to make productive use of it. Specifically, I cant find any way to get it to work with my legitimate Win 8.0 key. Believe me, I have tried every angle to get it to work and it is a no-go all the way around for me (again). So, I'm really hoping I don't make it a "3 for 3" wrong in this thread. With that said, I will ask:

Has anyone found a way (actually tried) to use this Win 8.1 ISO with a legitimate 8.0 Pro key to do a clean install on a non-OEM machine? This article somewhat supports my current position that it simply cannot be done without a legitimate 8.1 key. Now, if all holds true, what is the benefit of having it?

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-upgrade-woes

Just curious, but are you trying to use your retail Win8 key during the installation? If so you will never get it to work. You need to use an installation key, then use your retail key for activation after installing the OS. The install key is here: http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/33164-how-download-windows-8-1-iso-2.html. Look about half way down the page.

Also have a look at this. http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html