Solved Unable to Enable BitLocker, Win 8.1 Pro OEM

[alphanumeric]

So I think I figured out my problem. When I performed a clean installed Windows 8.1 Pro OEM onto a laptop that previously had 8.1 core, it simply reinstalled or enabled 8.1 core. I used the Pro OEM media; however, it never prompted for the product ID.

I successfully upgraded to 8.1 Pro via System Info and since my PC is truly a custom build, I will attempt to install the 8.1 Pro OEM on it next week.


I've custom built 100+ PCs earlier in my career; however, this was my first experience with Win 8. I'm noticing that it is very aware of what it is installed on and it seems to treat the different versions as disabled features.

Windows 7 and i'm not sure how far back but Pro has been there all along, just not activate features turned off until you put in your Pro product Key. Once turned on all features are available no need to reinstall again.
I am curious this is a custom build did the Windows 8 come with the motherboard? if not I don't see how your win 8 serial number could be anywhere besides on your hard drive? If that was so then a Diskpart " Clean disk" would have removed it?

Yes there are versions of Win 8.1.1 that are Core only and Pro only also there are ISO's that have both Core and Pro 64 bit on them.
I Clean installed 8.1.1 pro by using the Generic Key for Pro, then activated using my upgrade Win 8 Pro product Number. I did not have to use Add Features for pro to be there. However I did have to use add features to have access to Window Media Center and put in the WMC Key for that. Which now, my activation is actually on the WMC Key.

Yes, the TechNet ISO's are multi edition, Core and Pro. As far as I know the Retail DVD's are the same. I don't think there is a separate OEM and Retail DVD. The one DVD will use both keys. If there is an embedded key in the BIOS it will use it, if not your prompted to enter a key. The key you enter determines what's installed. Also, like you said, if you install Core, the Pro features are there, just disabled. You can unlock them though Add Features by entering a valid key.

There are some other ins and outs to it though. My ASUS laptop came with 8.0 Core. If I use an 8.1 ISO it ignores the embedded 8.0 OEM key and prompts me for one. I can still activate it with the 8.0 OEM key I just can't install with it. That's where the generic install keys come in. I personally don't bother with that extra step as I have MSDN 8.1 Pro keys I can use.

 

[Clintlgm]

I am curious this is a custom build did the Windows 8 come with the motherboard?

It isn't an ASUS motherboard, it's an ASUS Republic of Games laptop.

The OEM product key wouldn't work with the upgrade option in system info, but it did let me upgrade it for $99. I'll use the OEM key that I bought from Amazon on my custom built PC, because it it's using an MSDN version on Windows 8, and I want to use it for a home business.

Well then if you paid for an upgrade to Pro be sure to download the ISO, its the only way to get one legally
Yea I think most Asus G notebooks come with core, unless you get it from a custom dealer and order it with Pro.

 

[alphanumeric]

I am curious this is a custom build did the Windows 8 come with the motherboard?

It isn't an ASUS motherboard, it's an ASUS Republic of Games laptop.

The OEM product key wouldn't work with the upgrade option in system info, but it did let me upgrade it for $99. I'll use the OEM key that I bought from Amazon on my custom built PC, because it it's using an MSDN version on Windows 8, and I want to use it for a home business.

Well then if you paid for an upgrade to Pro be sure to download the ISO, its the only way to get one legally
Yea I think most Asus G notebooks come with core, unless you get it from a custom dealer and order it with Pro.

I do believe he already has an 8.1 Pro DVD. Look at post #13. Unless he modifies his install media, its going to install Core by default (on the laptop) anyway, and he'll have to use add features to go to Pro.