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

 

[theog]

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

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

Try using change Product key at end of the post.

 

[Nemix]

Good job and nice post, this method worked great for a clean install of Windows 8.1 Pro with my Windows 8 Pro upgrade key.

I just used the temporary Windows 8.1 key for install then changed the key to my Windows 8 Pro upgrade key and it activated without the need to reinstall Windows via Metro UI PC settings which previously had to be done for clean installs of Windows 8 with upgrade keys.

 

[acr731]

Good job and nice post, this method worked great for a clean install of Windows 8.1 Pro with my Windows 8 Pro upgrade key.

I just used the temporary Windows 8.1 key for install then changed the key to my Windows 8 Pro upgrade key and it activated without the need to reinstall Windows via Metro UI PC settings which previously had to be done for clean installs of Windows 8 with upgrade keys.

Worked great for me too...

I'm just happy I was able to get the ISO before Microsoft closes the loophole. The big question now is how long before 8.2? They've already had to trash the 8.1 RT upgrade. My guess is its only a matter of time before MS is forced into another upgrade for 8.1 pro. Or maybe it will be the next Windows version, v9.

 

[SIW2]

9 might be quite soon, so I don't know if they will do anything major to 8.1 from now on.

 

[phrozen ghost]

Yep tested this out when I got home worked great! I am sure M$ will put a sieze on it.
Just use a msdn temp key when installing if yer windows 8 key dont work then change the product key with your legit one. iam very happy with this... And i do notice some differences with it compared to the RTM that was floating around places.... I mean it already has the fixes in it that were released the day it came out.

For those who do not know.... There is a phalacy going around saying that you need a microsoft account to even install it.... this is not true when installing just disconnect from network and it will setup a local account.

I am just glad i got a legit 8.1 dvd to use with my legit purchsed windows 8.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Yep tested this out when I got home worked great! I am sure M$ will put a sieze on it.........I am just glad i got a legit 8.1 dvd to use with my legit purchsed windows 8.

Hello, phrozen ghost. I'm happy for you as well.

I, too, was getting quite displeased with MS concerning the upcoming upgrade via the Store app only. I was thinking I too deserved an ISO for fresh install since I bought the Windows 8 media to do so. I do not have MSDN or TechNet subscriptions, nor was it ever economically worthwhile for me to get any. At least we know here that MS is taking care of their enterprise customers.

Quite honestly I was getting rather anxious, for most of us know how upgrades go via downloads. Personally I could never understand why they could really never get it right and it seems that they're persistent on forcing the method. Let's keep in mind that other software giants use the same method. e.g. Ios upgrades don't go very well for some. Perhaps we'll always be in a quandary over this issue.

However, after watching the threads for a few days after release to see what problems people were having, I decided to upgrade via the Store app. Surprisingly all went very well for me. You may want to read my results here at post #113: http://www.eightforums.com/general-...-s-got-windows-8-1-public-release-only-3.html

I may be wrong, but overall it seems to me that those with newer machines with UEFI are having the most problems. Not sure why since its new technology.

I've been reading this thread since your OP to watch the progress. I don't think your "M$ will put a seize on it". I think they know techies are smart enough to figure out such "Simple Trickery", just as they've done in the past. e.g. Fresh installs using upgrade discs. In fact I think they leave such "holes" for people to do so, although it may be an oversight. Of course the "general public" will never figure it out nor will they probably ever know. They will most likely use the upgrade process presented.

I'm not here to defend nor criticize MS or any company with methodology. This is not to say you are. I simply deal with the reality of things and decide what's best for me.

And the beat goes on.....

 

[Phone Man]

9 might be quite soon, so I don't know if they will do anything major to 8.1 from now on.

I agree. There are new people in charge of Windows at MS now and most new bosses like to change things.
I also heard a rumor that those 'install keys' for the ISO's may get blocked by MS but so far all is well.

Jim

 

[labeeman]

9 might be quite soon, so I don't know if they will do anything major to 8.1 from now on.

I agree. There are new people in charge of Windows at MS now and most new bosses like to change things.
I also heard a rumor that those 'install keys' for the ISO's may get blocked by MS but so far all is well.

Jim

Install keys for ISOs already in customers hands would be impossible to block.

 

[alphanumeric]

9 might be quite soon, so I don't know if they will do anything major to 8.1 from now on.

I agree. There are new people in charge of Windows at MS now and most new bosses like to change things.
I also heard a rumor that those 'install keys' for the ISO's may get blocked by MS but so far all is well.

Jim

Install keys for ISOs already in customers hands would be impossible to block.

Technically they are already blocked, you can't activate with them, so they are blocked on the activation servers. To block them from being used to install they'd have to issue new ISO images. They may block them on future retail disks but there isn't much they can do now with what we have downloaded. If your buying a Retail DVD your going to have an 8.1 code anyway.

 

[DavidY]

For those who do not know.... There is a phalacy going around saying that you need a microsoft account to even install it.... this is not true when installing just disconnect from network and it will setup a local account.

However (if you use the Windows Store rather than the trickery in this thread) you do need a Microsoft Account to download the upgrade from the Windows Store in the first place.

This is what I found when coming from the Windows 8.1 Preview anyway, and disconnecting from the internet is no help at this stage because you're about to download it.

 

[SIW2]

Apparent workaround to avoid MS account store login thing: open File Explorer try ms-windows-store:WindowsUpgrade in the address bar.

 

[DavidY]

Apparent workaround to avoid MS account store login thing: open File Explorer try ms-windows-store:WindowsUpgrade in the address bar.

Hi there,

Thanks for that. As I was coming from the Preview (which doesn't display 8.1 on the first page of the store; at least it didn't on Saturday), I had to use that trick to get to the upgrade in the first place.

The Microsoft Account step came later, after finding the Windows 8.1 Upgrade and selecting I want to download it.

I suspect it's a difference in the 8.1 Preview Store vs the 8.0 Store; and probably a foretaste of how the next Store upgrade will work for everyone! (If there is one.)