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Windows 8.1 Legit Activation

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  • 30-04-2014 1:34am
    #1
    Gadgetman496
    Registered Users Posts: 8,398 ✭✭✭


    I have a genuine Windows 8.1 Pro Disc and Key 100% legit purchased directly from Microsoft.

    I have installed it on VMWare Workstation v10.2 but have not yet activated it.
    If I were to activate it on the VM machine and decided to use it on a new build at a later date, if I were to delete the virtual machine and install it on the new build, would it activate without issue or would it see the key as been already used/tied to another machine?

    On a side note,

    All new OEM PCs that come with Windows 8 pre-installed have the product key stored and encrypted in the UEFI or BIOS firmware chip. The product key is no longer on the COA sticker, Desktops & Laptops no longer come with the COA sticker attached to the machine. Is a keyfinder or the likes of Belarc the only way to retrieve the key in the event of a wipe and clean install or is there another method built into Windows that will allow you to find your key?

    "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."



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    #2
    BailMeOut
    Registered Users Posts: 2,985 ✭✭✭BailMeOut


    if it is a retail version with a retail key (non OEM) then there is no deactivation process. You can just power off the VM and activate that key on another instance. I believe if you try activate the same key over the internet too many times then you just need to call Microsoft and they will activate over phone. To do a phone activation simply click Start/Run "slui.exe 4" Enter, then Enter your country and follow instructions.


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