Create a bootable USB flash drive to install Windows 8.
Navigate to
<FlashDrive>:\Sources\Save a file called
ei.cfgin that folder with the following text:[EditionID] Core [Channel] Retail [VL] 0
If you want to install the Pro edition, replace Core with Professional. If you want the setup to ask which edition you want install without entering the product key, leave the [EditionID] blank.
You can also set [VL] (Volume Licensing) to 1 (for true) and [Channel] to OEM/Retail
Now install as normal and the Windows 8 setup won't ask for the product key. This will work for every copy of Windows 8 that you can get from anywhere.
Also, if you ever to want to enter the product key, you can do so from the Windows Activation window or using the slui 3 command.
Windows 8.1 Product Key missing
Windows 8.1 Product Activation with Windows 8 Upgrade Key
Windows 8 Activation, product key and update.
Windows 8 Product Keys
Create a bootable USB flash drive to install Windows 8.
Navigate to
<FlashDrive>:\Sources\Save a file called
ei.cfgin that folder with the following text:[EditionID] Core [Channel] Retail [VL] 0
If you want to install the Pro edition, replace Core with Professional. If you want the setup to ask which edition you want install without entering the product key, leave the [EditionID] blank.
You can also set [VL] (Volume Licensing) to 1 (for true) and [Channel] to OEM/Retail
Now install as normal and the Windows 8 setup won't ask for the product key. This will work for every copy of Windows 8 that you can get from anywhere.
Also, if you ever to want to enter the product key, you can do so from the Windows Activation window or using the slui 3 command.
The answer of User is correct, but you can also leave EditionID in ei.cfg blank:
[EditionID]
[Channel]
OEM
[VL]
0
Now Windows 7 and 8 Setup will let you install without Product Key, and also lets you choose the Edition you want to install. You don't need to edit ei.cfg every time.
Skip entering the product key if you are prompted. If Windows 8.1 was already installed and activated, then its registered and will automatically activate when you reach the desktop and connect to the Internet.
If you are prompted to enter a key, use the following diagnostic key for the edition you have a license for to get the installation going.
Generic keys:
Windows 8.1 standard/non-Pro edition:
334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
Windows 8.1 Pro:
XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
Hi Nicholas. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.
Follow the steps in this excellent tutorial: https://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clea.... Step 4 explains all activation scenarios.
If Windows came preinstalled on the PC then the Product Key is embedded in the BIOS and can be read by installing and running ProducKey: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/produkey-x64.zip to look for the OEM-BIOS key.
If Windows was retail then you'll need to find the key. If the key is being used now to activate you can audit it from the install by running Produckey (above) and looking for the Windows 8/8.1 key. It cannot be one of the generic keys used only to reinstall Windows shown in Step 4 of the Clean install tutorial above. Those are only used to get the install done but must still be activated with a unique key that is not one of those.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.
________________________________________________________
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Is this where you got the Key?
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/kmsclientkeys
And which is to do with Volume Licensing.
To use the keys listed here (which are GVLKs), you must first have a KMS host running in your deployment.
______________________________________________
Or did you use this information and generic Key:
https://www.eightforums.com/threads/clean-install-windows-8.2299/
If you have a retail Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on in step 22 below to activate with your Windows 8 key.
Generic keys to install with:
- Windows 8 (core): FB4WR-32NVD-4RW79-XQFWH-CYQG3
- Windows 8 Pro: XKY4K-2NRWR-8F6P2-448RF-CRYQH
- Windows 8 Pro with Media Center: RR3BN-3YY9P-9D7FC-7J4YF-QGJXW
- Windows 8.1 (core): 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
- Windows 8.1 (core single language): Y9NXP-XT8MV-PT9TG-97CT3-9D6TC
- Windows 8.1 Pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
- Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center: GBFNG-2X3TC-8R27F-RMKYB-JK7QT
- Windows 8.1 Enterprise: MNDGV-M6PKV-DV4DR-CYY8X-2YRXH OR FHQNR-XYXYC-8PMHT-TV4PH-DRQ3H
_____________________________________________
You also complicated things by using an Upgrade License from 7 to clean install.
_____________________________________________
I suggest that you contact Microsoft: contact MS support
Regards.
It is not for your Windows 8/8.1 unless you use Volume Licensing and which is not for private use anyway.
It clearly states at the link what it is used for.
And it doesn't get converted into anything.
Volume Licensing is completely different licensing to Retail and OEM licensing and is only used by large businesses/corporation where they buy and deploy multiple installations.
I gave you the information of how you are supposed to clean install 8.1 with an 8 key.
I'm always working on PC's that need Windows 8, we don't have an OEM copy in store, just burned versions. I don't know who did this or why but they didn't write down any product key, is there someone I can get a key from?
Hi everybody,
Recently, the hard drive on my parents’ Dell laptop died. I found a replacement and tried to install windows 8 onto it using a recovery disc. Now it’s asking for a product key and I have no idea what it is.
I thought it would already be in bios and it wouldn’t be required.
Does anybody know any way to find out what it is? Thanks.
Hello..
I got my Lenovo E450 today, and while it isn't exactly equipped with that fish (hurray), I figured it won't hurt to try a fresh windows 8.1 install.
So I found out how to do that, I have my usb handy, and a link to make my usb into a bootable drive or whatever that is (from Microsoft). The only problem is, I need an iso to mount on my usb right?
I'm not sure how to get my own, so I went to this website in hopes of a lead:
windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only
and clicked on 'Install windows 8.1'. I think this is what I'm supposed to be doing so far right?
So it prompted me for the key (obviously), but I didn't get a manual with the product key in the shipping box, nor in the emails from lenovo. I followed this guys:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzjvXpiQMXc
method of finding your product key, but at the end stage where it shows your product id and product key, I have the product id, but the product key shows: BBBBB-BBBBB (repeated 4 more times).
I think this is the next step I need in order to do a fresh install, but I'm stuck here. If there is a better way of installing windows 8.1 using my 8gig usb stick, someone please let me know, if not please give me some hints/helping hand! Thanks
I'd rather not use a key generator or pirate a copy of windows 8.1..because I already bought the true version right..?
My product key didn’t work on a new system. I have used it in only 1 other computer over 10 years ago.