Solved Problem with Win 8.1 Pro Build 9600 Activation

So, I'm working with a Dell Laptop that came with Windows 7 64-bit, and have wiped it and installed Windows 8.1 via a clean DVD boot, full install from blank harddrive, etc.

But here's the problem. I have the watermark in the corner of the desktop telling me Windows 8.1 Pro and the next line under is says Build 9600.

I have a key for activating it as Windows 8.1 with Windows Media Center, but the key isn't working.
So, with that, I downloaded a keygenerator to attempt to crack the upgrade process and get it to allow me to put in a legitimate key after upgrading, but either way, it just isn't working.

I really don't want to have to put out $200 just to fix my problem.

Hello Silverhand,

I'm afraid that you cannot use a Media Center key to activate Windows with since that key is only good to add Media Center to Windows.

Do you have a Windows 8 or 8.1 product key that's not for Media Center? What did you originally use to activate Windows 8.1?

.... This looks like fun. </sarcasm>

Where did you get your copy of Windows 8.1 from?

MSDN

You would want to use the product key from MSDN to activate with instead. Afterwards, add Media Center with it's key.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/29885-activate-windows-8-online.html

Think I've got it figured out now. Thanks.

You're welcome.

Hi Silverhand92

Please let me know how you solved this one. I originally had Win 8 and upgraded to 8.1 for free. And then I activated the media center. Later it asked to activate it but I don't have a key. Please help.

Hello mthunzin, and welcome to Eight Forums.

If you still have Media Center installed, then you would need to activate with your purchased Media Center key.

mthunzin said:

Hi Silverhand92

Please let me know how you solved this one. I originally had Win 8 and upgraded to 8.1 for free. And then I activated the media center. Later it asked to activate it but I don't have a key. Please help.

Click to expand...

Surely, you had a key when you added features to get WMC? The WMC key may need phone activation if used before though.
Otherwise run a diagnostic report so that we can check which type of key you have installed.

The very same thing happened to me, once you enter the key a certain number of times, it gets time locked. If it's a generic key (Product Key) without activation you get 30 days free trial, then it will reboot one day back to your old O.S (If you used the add features in control panel) however if you reformatted your hard disk and installed your O.S get another generic key and put it in features when your Serial Key lockdown has expired, or you may find yourself going through the reformat and installation again.