Windows 8.1 recovery, invalid key.

retiredin2011

My grandson screwed up my computer but as I have everything important backed up I thought I would use the Windows 8.1 recovery option and start with a clean install again as I have done a couple of times before and it never needed activation again


So I set it on its way and when it had finished it downloaded some updates and then told me my version of windows wasn't activated and I had an illegal copy on my computer.


So I called the Microsoft activation number and after reading her the activation code I was told that my version wasn't legal and all I could do was call them during office hours and pay for a new key.


I then thought, !!!!!! it, what have I got to lose so put in the USB I had my downloaded Windows 8.1 on and did a clean install, formatting my drive beforehand.


I disconnected the network cable so I didn't need an email address while it installs and installed Windows 8.1, got it set up how I wanted it and plugged in the network cable and what do you know? Windows 8.1 has been activated online.


So has Microsoft changed their activation system and has anyone else had this problem?

RumRat

AFAIK the Windows 8 product key would not work with a fresh W8.1 install. They also did something to ISO's that made it less than straightforward. This was to encourage usage of the windows store to upgrade to 8.1.
I had a problem the other week (now resolved) and I considered a factory reset. However, if you upgraded from 8 to 8.1 via the store, the upgrade rendered the recovery options useless. Luckily I ended up not needing them. Hopefully it will be fixed at some time, just in case.:)

emptybox

RumRat wrote: »

AFAIK the Windows 8 product key would not work with a fresh W8.1 install. They also did something to ISO's that made it less than straightforward. This was to encourage usage of the windows store to upgrade to 8.1.
I had a problem the other week (now resolved) and I considered a factory reset. However, if you upgraded from 8 to 8.1 via the store, the upgrade rendered the recovery options useless. Luckily I ended up not needing them. Hopefully it will be fixed at some time, just in case.:)

That's interesting to note.
I've got two Windows 8.1 installs. I had to restore both while they were still on 8, and it worked fine, but I haven't had to since I upgraded to 8.1.

I've got a Windows 8 recovery DVD, so I could do a clean install of that, and then upgrade via the Store, but how silly if they've made the restore/reset options invalid in 8.1.

RumRat

I think there is some problem if using an OEM disc to reinstall as well. Not tried it though.
If you go to recovery and attempt to do it, you get a message..
'Some files are missing. Your windows installation or recovery media will provide these files'
As most laptops etc don't ship with installation discs for W8 and they didn't say anything about the missing files before people upgraded to 8.1 from the store. Many now can't use the recovery system.
There are hopes that they will fix it in 8.1.1. but, I'm not hopeful.
You are lucky (or should I say smart?:)) you have the recovery disc..

retiredin2011

You are lucky (or should I say smart?) you have the recovery disc..

I didn't have a disk, I downloaded the file and installed it on a USB drive when windows 8 was released, when it cost £14.99, then added 8.1 as per this.

http://www.neowin.net/news/here-is-how-to-get-the-windows-81-iso-and-create-a-usb-install-stick


http://pureinfotech.com/2013/10/21/clean-install-windows-81-without-windows-8-retail-key/


Also I've done a recovery a couple of times before this time and they were OK.

Something must have changed.

retiredin2011

AFAIK the Windows 8 product key would not work with a fresh W8.1 install

It works for me, it is the recovery option that needed the key then failed.




http://pureinfotech.com/2013/10/21/clean-install-windows-81-without-windows-8-retail-key/

RumRat

retiredin2011 wrote: »

It works for me, it is the recovery option that needed the key then failed.




http://pureinfotech.com/2013/10/21/clean-install-windows-81-without-windows-8-retail-key/

Glad to hear it. Others have had problems apparently.
I have an OEM Windows 8 disc that came with my custom built desktop and have the key sticker on the side of the pc. Hopefully I'll never need any of it anyway.
Waiting patiently for 8.1.1 update, early next month if all goes to plan.:)