Windows 8.1

[minimoose]

So I downloaded the preview off of Microsoft's website... now it says on their website that not only will I lose my programs... but that I need to buy a Windows 8.1 key, or restore back to Windows 8... except I don't have a back up of Windows 8... Am I misunderstanding this and what should I do?

 

I am not paying one cent.

 

The link to the page is: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/update-from-preview

[Matsy]

Use http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

To download windows 8, you just need your product key (click install windows 8)

Put it onto a USB drive, so you have a back-up.

[Jeroen1322]

I wasn't planning on buying or download Windows 8.1

[minimoose]

I wasn't planning on buying or download Windows 8.1

I have the preview I have to by January!

[SMURG]

I wasn't planning on buying or download Windows 8.1

You actually prefer vanilla 8 lol?

[minimoose]

Use http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

To download windows 8, you just need your product key (click install windows 8)

Put it onto a USB drive, so you have a back-up.

I get an error which says something like this code can't be used to install a retail copy of Windows 8

[Matsy]

I get an error which says something like this code can't be used to install a retail copy of Windows 8

 

Not sure on how windows 8 keys work, but where is your product key from? a retail copy of windows 8? from the back of a laptop?

[minimoose]

Not sure on how windows 8 keys work, but where is your product key from? a retail copy of windows 8? from the back of a laptop?

An OEM copy, I built my computer

[Matsy]

An OEM copy, I built my computer

 

After some looking around, it doesn't work with an OEM key.

Well that sucks.

[mgsstar]

An OEM copy, I built my computer

I would try phone activation if the Windows 8 key doesn't work on 8.1 by typing in slui.exe 4 in the run dialog (windows + r)

[minimoose]

I would try phone activation if the Windows 8 key doesn't work on 8.1 by typing in slui.exe 4 in the run dialog (windows + r)

What?  Should I use the phone or use  slui.exe 4?  Also what does that do?

[mgsstar]

What?  Should I use the phone or use  slui.exe 4?  Also what does that do?

Typing slui.exe 4 will open a phone activation window where you will select your country and it will give you a phone number to call and you would type in the installation id in that is on your screen. Then if it is successful, it will give you a confirmation ID and type that in and press activate to activate your product: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

[minimoose]

Typing slui.exe 4 will open a phone activation window where you will select your country and it will give you a phone number to call and you would type in the installation id in that is on your screen. Then if it is successful, it will give you a confirmation ID and type that in and press activate to activate your product: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

OK thanks, 

[fracking4oil]

If you have a legit copy of WIn 8, Win 8.1 is free...

[GoodBytes]

I dont' understand this.

If you have PURCHASED Windows 8 OEM, then you should have the disk.

 

Use the disk to format and re-install Windows 8.

Then once WIndows 8 is installed, start installing your drivers, and updates of Windows until you are all done with them (con't install programs)

Then, in the Windows App Store, you'll see Windows 8.1 update. Install it, and you have 8.1

Now install your programs.