Restarting Windows to reinstall it.
Restarting Windows to reinstall it.
Before starting, ensure you understand the steps needed for your current setup. Check if your Windows key can be reactivated or if you need to reinstall the OS. Since your original system was Windows 8, you may need to upgrade to a compatible version like Windows 8.1 or consider using the key on an updated OS if possible.
You can find assistance for installing a Windows 8 key on Windows 8.1 by searching online or contacting me directly, and I’ll provide a concise set of steps to follow.
Thanks for the help! I've only glanced at it briefly so far, but it seems really useful. A few questions popped up during my quick read: Should I check my Windows license before installing? I don’t want to waste time on installation just to see if a license is already claimed. Should I upgrade to Windows 8.1 before or after applying all the updates? And can I obtain the file you referenced? Also, how dependable is that approach?
Okay so how the license works... Microsoft can look at this license and see how many BIOS's have been used with that license. Microsoft has a "leniency" policy where you can install it on up to 3 different BIOS's before they start making you call their phone service to activate. Reason why they do this is NOT so you can run it on 3 different machines at the same time, but instead so you can change your motherboard out or something to that effect when you upgrade/repair your system. To cut this off a little short, as long as it is ALWAYS the same exact computer Microsoft wont freak out and everything will be fine. If you change computers Microsoft WILL start to require you to call them to get it activated. There is no way to "deactivate" a license, although I wished I could go in and manage my licenses or something (but I'm just dreaming). I HIGHLY do not recommend installing Windows 8, then upgrading to Windows 8.1. This is, in my humble opinion, the absolute worst thing Microsoft has ever done for their customers. What happens in the background is fairly simple. Windows will download a ISO in the form of their WIN installer (the type of file they use for Windows Updates), unpackage the ISO and do a "Self automated" install of the Windows 8.1 OS. This is like a "upgrade" install, not a clean install. So all your previous programs will be there, but they will be installed in a Windows 8 configuration, not a 8.1. All your drivers will be there, but the registry will be clean, and none of the drivers will have any purpose. Basically, installing Windows 8 then upgrading to 8.1 just is a all around bad option just asking for trouble. The method is reliable, I can give you links to several sources with this info. All I will send you is the file needed (which you can make on your own if it makes you feel better) and tell you where to put the file. (Ill give 2 sources right now, if you want more they are a web search away) {side point, OMFG I FOUND A GREAT LITTLE PIECE OF SOFTWARE MICROSOFT MADE IN DOING THIS RESEARCH AND THIS EXACT POST MADE MY LIFE 10234123765688333384954658653 TIMES EASIER} http://pureinfotech.com/2013/10/21/clean...etail-key/ https://www.techmesto.com/install-window...oduct-key/
You retrieve the 8.1 ISO with the latest updates, install it using the provided key, and after installation, update the key to your own.