Updating Retail Windows 8 with 8.1 RTM

[Saltgrass]

I just upgraded my install with the 8.1 RTM using the key (just to install) I got with the .iso. Seems you use one key to install and another to activate.

From within Windows 8, I just double clicked the Setup.exe file on the flash drive, in my case. I had to reactivate using my original Windows 8 key and it seems to have worked. It did take a few minutes for the watermark to go away.

 

[NCguy]

I just upgraded my install with the 8.1 RTM using the key (just to install) I got with the .iso. Seems you use one key to install and another to activate.

From within Windows 8, I just double clicked the Setup.exe file on the flash drive, in my case. I had to reactivate using my original Windows 8 key and it seems to have worked. It did take a few minutes for the watermark to go away.

1. Did it actually require to reactivate after the install or did you just update the key?
2. Was the original key from the original cheap upgrade offer or was it from a full version?

 

[Saltgrass]

After the update was complete, I noticed the Watermark was still there. I used the System dialog (Winkey+Pause) which was saying it was not activated. From there I selected activate and entered the Original Windows 8 key.

After you enter your original key, it will tell you that you have finished. It did take a few minutes for the Watermark to disappear after I completed the process.

When I re-add the Media Center, I will have to use the key I got for it. But I am waiting on that step.

 

[NCguy]

After the update was complete, I noticed the Watermark was still there. I used the System dialog (Winkey+Pause) which was saying it was not activated. From there I selected activate and entered the Original Windows 8 key.

After you enter your original key, it will tell you that you have finished. It did take a few minutes for the Watermark to disappear after I completed the process.

When I re-add the Media Center, I will have to use the key I got for it. But I am waiting on that step.

Was your original key from a full retail product purchase or was it obtained from the cheap upgrade offer? I know it shouldn't matter but I read that it can act differently if the key was originally from the upgrade offer.

 

[Saltgrass]

The system I just installed on was a Purchased Upgrade (not OEM) Package from Newegg. I have another system that is currently using the cheapo key, but I have not tried updating it.

I do not have an OEM version to test.

But you are correct, it should not matter.

Make sure you are not using a Windows Media Center key...

 

[NCguy]

The system I just installed on was a Purchased Upgrade (not OEM) Package from Newegg. I have another system that is currently using the cheapo key, but I have not tried updating it.

I do not have an OEM version to test.

But you are correct, it should not matter.

Make sure you are not using a Windows Media Center key...

Thanks for your help!