Windows Media Center is being offered free by Micrososft

Windows Media Centerr is being offered free from Microsoft (providing you have Windows 8 Pro) until late January.
The website is here Add features - Microsoft Windows
But:
The website has been having a problem so if you want the Media Center Application you need to call Microsoft at 1800-6427676 (USA)

Use the option for Tech Support
and next one for Windows 8 apps and store

Tell the tech you want the product Key for Media Center

Once they give it to you:
Go to the Metro IU Screen , make sure you have Settings Highlighted
Then in the Search type: add features
then click Add features to Windows 8
I already have the product key
Enter the product key and click Next
Read the liscense terms, select the check box to accept then click ADD features
Your Pc will reboot and Windows media Center will be available for use

I tried that site 6 x's I only got it to work once. On the second machine I upgraded, I gave up and called Micrososft today. The tech told me they have been having problems with the site with people who really do not have Windows 8 getting a key, so now they want to verify that you have 8, they will ask you to put in a code and it phone homes to Micrososft and then they give you the product key.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
thanks brink, yep that is a step by step on how to do it
after you get the key which is a real good tutorial
but you need the key first :)
I posted this because I did not know if anyone else knew it is free for a limited time and why the stupid website is not working. :p
which was real frustrating to me to the point I wanted to kick it!
I do not know why Micrososft is not explaining this on the website, most except if you are an IT person will just give up and not even think to call Micrososft for the key
robin
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    4 Windows 7 Pro Sp1- 4 Win 8 Pro, 1- xp pro sp3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 390, 380, 3 Vostro Laptops (7 computers in all)
    CPU
    desktop/laptop
    Memory
    4gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    atm randioum
    Hard Drives
    350,250
I purchased the media center addon but had to reinstall windows now I don't know how to get my serial number again.

Does anyone know how I can get the serial again?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    OS X and Win 7
Hello gbsnpir,

You're pretty much out of luck unless you had written the key number down somewhere safe for just such an incident.

About all you can do is register for another free one using a different email address if you haven't already used up your 5 limit. :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
call micrososft at the number I gave out if you are in the usa or look up their other numbers for out of the usa on that website and explain what happened. You never know what they might do for you
robin
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    4 Windows 7 Pro Sp1- 4 Win 8 Pro, 1- xp pro sp3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 390, 380, 3 Vostro Laptops (7 computers in all)
    CPU
    desktop/laptop
    Memory
    4gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    atm randioum
    Hard Drives
    350,250

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
So I called the number, got transferred around three times, which I not complaining, just saying. The 2nd rep said he would have suggested I go to that website, but since it wasn't working for me, he said he would need to transfer me to another dept. So the 3rd transfer, this women tells me she need to transfer me again, so I say ok but this will be my fourth transfer. So she says, well maybe keep trying the website and it will eventually work. So I was like ok I will try a few more days. So she says ok call back later if it still doesn't work or we will call you back. After 30 minutes which isn't too bad, that is where I am at lol.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro 64-bit
    CPU
    Intel I7
    Motherboard
    Intel DX58SO
    Memory
    6GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA Nvidia GeForce 295 x2
    Monitor(s) Displays
    73" Mitsubishi HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
Tell her the website is not working and you would like her to produce for you a product key
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    4 Windows 7 Pro Sp1- 4 Win 8 Pro, 1- xp pro sp3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 390, 380, 3 Vostro Laptops (7 computers in all)
    CPU
    desktop/laptop
    Memory
    4gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    atm randioum
    Hard Drives
    350,250
Maybe they will get the hint if enough people call, they will fix the darn site
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    4 Windows 7 Pro Sp1- 4 Win 8 Pro, 1- xp pro sp3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 390, 380, 3 Vostro Laptops (7 computers in all)
    CPU
    desktop/laptop
    Memory
    4gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    atm randioum
    Hard Drives
    350,250
Tell her the website is not working and you would like her to produce for you a product key

I did tell her that, I told her I have been trying for over 4 days, different computers, different emails, different networks. But that was her suggestion to me.

I'm not in a hurry. So I will go through their hoops. But I hope I can just get the dang key lol.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro 64-bit
    CPU
    Intel I7
    Motherboard
    Intel DX58SO
    Memory
    6GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA Nvidia GeForce 295 x2
    Monitor(s) Displays
    73" Mitsubishi HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
I bought the Windows 8 download from Microsoft's Website. After I installed it, I applied for the Media Center Upgrade. Their site says that it can take up to 72 hours for them to send back a key. In my case, it took 4 days. Some sites suggest that you apply using a "live.com" email address.

DG
 

My Computer

I got a key but as I only have the version installed by Asus not the Pro one can't use it, but have decided not to bother, Asus installed Cybalink 10 so I can watch DVDs. The only other way would be to pay for an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro and I don't think I really need the added features to warrant the expense.

Of course before the offer runs out there's always the chance I might decide to go with the upgrade.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 32 bit/ Windows 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Zoostorm/ Asus K55A Notebook
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 @ 2400 MHz
    Motherboard
    Foxconn 45CMX/45GMX/45CMX-K
    Memory
    2048 MB (2 x 1024 DDR2-SDRAM)/8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Corp 82945G Integrated Graphics Controller
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hanns.G HH221 22" Widescreen
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    ExcelStor (250GB)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (UK)
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Wheel Mouse
    Internet Speed
    Just under 4MB download it's ADSL.
    Other Info
    Epson Stylus SX415 All-in-one Printer,
    Seagate Expansion 500GB External Desktop Drive
I bought the Windows 8 download from Microsoft's Website. After I installed it, I applied for the Media Center Upgrade. Their site says that it can take up to 72 hours for them to send back a key. In my case, it took 4 days. Some sites suggest that you apply using a "live.com" email address.

DG

Created a live account, tried it...

We couldn't process your order.
Terms & Conditions

No dice.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro 64-bit
    CPU
    Intel I7
    Motherboard
    Intel DX58SO
    Memory
    6GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA Nvidia GeForce 295 x2
    Monitor(s) Displays
    73" Mitsubishi HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
I've used my ISP provided pop3 e-mail address, which also happens to be the one I use for my live ID. Also used wife's pop3 e-mail, and a gmail account. This was when it first started, haven't tried to get one lately. They all worked eventually, after a long wait for the reply e-mail. The delay went down as time went on. The last one I got came in less than 24 hours as stated on the web site at that time. I never ever got a "We couldn't process your order message", but like I say it's been a while since I requested a key. It sounds like their is a problem with the web page or its just getting overloaded with requests. I'd say there are a few people that got a new PC for Christmas that are likely trying to snag a free upgrade to Media Center before the offer runs out.
 

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
We are all getting that stupid message, I have tried 7 different email daddy's, have signed in with two separate accounts. No go. I guess I hit the right person when I called but since I just bought a laptop with win 8 pro which is being delivered in two weeks I would like to get the free media center before time runs out. Calling them u must be in front of the computer so I would think they would just fix it with all the complaints they must be getting
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    4 Windows 7 Pro Sp1- 4 Win 8 Pro, 1- xp pro sp3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 390, 380, 3 Vostro Laptops (7 computers in all)
    CPU
    desktop/laptop
    Memory
    4gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    atm randioum
    Hard Drives
    350,250
Thanks "robinb9" your post was very helpful and worked like a "charm" sorry had to say that. Anyway, I waited the wait after I
posted my e-mail address and nothing came. So i called the phone # as stated and the microsoft tech gave me the code
and talk me thru the download and installation/activation.

thanks again
walex
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    MS Windows 8 Pro 64-bit
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X6 1070T
    Motherboard
    ASUSTeK Computer INC. M4A87TD/USB3 (AM3)
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 688MHz (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    DELL ST2421L (1920x1080@60Hz) 1023MB GeForce GT 430 (ASUStek Computer Inc)
You r quite welcome :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    4 Windows 7 Pro Sp1- 4 Win 8 Pro, 1- xp pro sp3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 390, 380, 3 Vostro Laptops (7 computers in all)
    CPU
    desktop/laptop
    Memory
    4gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    atm randioum
    Hard Drives
    350,250
Called again today.

The first tech support rep had me run MSDT on my computer, I sent her my data.

She gave me the code, I entered code, successful. Installed WMC, restarted computer, and good to go.

Only took me 15 minutes.

Just an fyi.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro 64-bit
    CPU
    Intel I7
    Motherboard
    Intel DX58SO
    Memory
    6GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA Nvidia GeForce 295 x2
    Monitor(s) Displays
    73" Mitsubishi HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
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