Windows 8.1 version not available

[AndrewHA]

So, I bought a laptop from a friend and activated with a key I got at school. Now it doesn't show the edition and I can't install certain software because of this. Just says "not compatible" blah, blah.

Here is what it looks like, if anyone know a hack or fix, I would really apprieciate it:

[hehehehhehehehe]

So is it windows 8.1 or not?

[AndrewHA]

It has the functions of windows 8.1, but there is a ? mark where the version is supposed to be. So, when I try to install (lets say AVG, it won't let me)

[hehehehhehehehe]

It has the functions of windows 8.1, but there is a ? mark where the version is supposed to be. So, when I try to install (lets say AVG, it won't let me)

Could you try installing just standard windows 8, not 8.1?

[GoodBytes]

You installed Windows 8.1, and used the key for Windows 8.

You should have used the Windows 8.1 key available here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/preview-iso

 

I think by using Windows 8 key, you used Windows 8 activation system, As Windows 8.1 is in development (beta), and the code system was not touched.

[AndrewHA]

You installed Windows 8.1, and used the key for Windows 8.

You should have used the Windows 8.1 key available here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/preview-iso

 

I think by using Windows 8 key, you used Windows 8 activation system, As Windows 8.1 is in development (beta), and the code system was not touched.

So, what are my option now? I don't want to reinstall everything :|

[AndrewHA]

Is it possible to downgrade to Windows 8 without having to reinstall everything?

[GoodBytes]

Try changing the product key and restart the system:

1- Open the command prompt as true Administrator

 2- type in: slmgr.vbs -ipk <PRODUCT KEY> (without the '<' and '>'), and hit Enter.

3- restart your computer

[GoodBytes]

Is it possible to downgrade to Windows 8 without having to reinstall everything?

 

You need to re-install everything.

Same, when the official version of Windows 8.1 will be released. What is known is that when Windows 8.1 official will be released you'll have the option in keep your personal data, but wipe out everything else.

I don't know if you can do the same thing downgrading. See if you have that option when running Windows 8 setup in Windows 8.1.

When I re-installed Windows 8.1 on my laptop, I tried that feature and did an excellent job at keeping my personal files, including test files on the root of C:\, to see how good it is.

But then again, this is 8.1 setup, not 8. I don't know if they were improvement or not. I haven't tried this process in 8.