How to activate Windows 8.1 if you used an ISO to clean install

[bloowhalez]

So I downloaded an 8.1 ISO and did a fresh install on my SSD, it never asked for a serial (which is embedded in BIOS).

8.1 installed fine, all drivers work great, but it still needs to be activated.

I thought crap, I don't have the key, I'm SOL.

WRONG!

just recover your key from the BIOS and copypasta when it says "Activate Windows". I just put my serial into the box asking for it and boom it worked!

I thought it would be way more complicated.

[Nehmia]

Welcome to the team of Windows 8.1 clean installs! The way it should be properly done 🙂 no issues and better performance

[Nehmia]

To get the key from the BIOS:

1) Download RWEverything

2) Extract the ZIP

3) Right click on rw.exe then choose Run As Administrator

4) From the top left of the menu, click on Access, then choose ACPI Tables

5) From the top row, you will find a lot of tabs, scroll to the right, then click on MSDM

6) Your product key will be displayed at the bottom near Data

[vvhitewolf]

Nehmia wrote:
To get the key from the BIOS:

1) Download RWEverything

2) Extract the ZIP

3) Right click on rw.exe then choose Run As Administrator

4) From the top left of the menu, click on Access, then choose ACPI Tables

5) From the top row, you will find a lot of tabs, scroll to the right, then click on MSDM

6) Your product key will be displayed at the bottom near Data

I created an account just to thank you. I have been searching for hours trying to figure things out with this new ssd I put in my new g75vx. Im up and running!

[Nehmia]

vvhitewolf wrote:
I created an account just to thank you. I have been searching for hours trying to figure things out with this new ssd I put in my new g75vx. Im up and running!

my pleasure dawg

[Pitcher1]

i think if you have win 8 key, you can use it normal.

[gazzacbr]

@Nehmia: oops, you just posted your key on the internet (in the readout) 😞
you should have just copy/pasted my earlier post.

[Nehmia]

gazzacbr wrote:
@Nehmia: oops, you just posted your key on the internet (in the readout) 😞
you should have just copy/pasted my earlier post.

thanks for informing me bro

[Arkatakor]

I have tried downloading the windows 8 / 8.1 ISO using my OEM product key and it told me that:

"this product key cannot be used to install a retail version of windows 8".

I am concerned even if I do acquire a 8.1 ISO (it remains to be seen from where), do a format and clean install, it will reject my OEM license.

[Nehmia]

Arkatakor wrote:
I have tried downloading the windows 8 / 8.1 ISO using my OEM product key and it told me that:

"this product key cannot be used to install a retail version of windows 8".

I am concerned even if I do acquire a 8.1 ISO (it remains to be seen from where), do a format and clean install, it will reject my OEM license.

You need to download the Windows 8.1 Single Language ISO not the retail ISO