Windows 8 upgrade to Windows 8.1 issue

I bought Windows 8 about 16 months ago & I'm really happy with all the new apps and running smooth after upgraded to Windows 8.1. Within 16 months, I believe this is the 3rd time I had to format it because suddenly the key needs to be reactivated again after it run just fine back then. the 1st & 2nd time it occurred I didn't checked what kind of error but this time it showed up error code: 0xc004f012 when I tried to activate it.

I think this is the best solution I can get :
Windows 8 upgrade to Windows 8.1 - Error code: 0xC004F012 - Microsoft Community

My conclusion after spending some time about this particular problem, the key can't be activated after the windows has been upgraded to Windows 8.1 because the key is meant for Windows 8, not Windows 8.1. Since Windows doesn't have feature to downgrade to Windows 8, I need to reformat it and start all over again.

One of the feature in Windows 8 is refreshing the PC but it seems this feature also had some problems to use with upgraded Windows.

I admit that I'm careless back then-didn't make a restore point, but I still don't know why suddenly Windows 8.1 can't recognize the key after few months running smooth without problems. Is it any related to software like hotspot shield? Any suggestion/ideas would be great. Thanks

Is it any related to software like hotspot shield?

Click to expand...

Just a guess but that may be contributing to the problem. Microsoft may be periodically checking the OS for validity and the shield could interfere with that, kind of an "ET call home" thing.

Maybe but as I recall, first and second time it occured I didn't install Hotspot Shield. I'm still curious why is this happening to most of user who upgraded their Windows 8 to Windows 8.1.....

Next time when you want to clean install and you have a retail key for Windows 8.

How to download Windows 8.1 Update with retail Windows 8 key and clean install Windows 8.1 Update -> link

genet said:

Next time when you want to clean install and you have a retail key for Windows 8.

How to download Windows 8.1 Update with retail Windows 8 key and clean install Windows 8.1 Update -> link

Click to expand...

Great! Thanks! This is really helpful.. Thanks again!