Hi,

sorry if this has been discussed before, I can't quite get a clear answer.

I turned my laptop on and Windows 8.1 was installed without my knowledge.

Everytime I turn on now I get told I have to activate Windows 8.1

When I skip this, the updates fail to load and I have to go through hours of loading/faild/removing updates.

Problem is, where is the Key code? I didn't order this, or even ok the download so how am I expected to active it.

Was the code sent to me somehow?

I put in my Windows 8 (which is what my laptop was pre-loaded with) Key code but it wasn't accepted.

If anyone can let me know what i'm doing wrong it would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

Peter

Give this a shot: http://www.howtogeek.com/187525/how-to-perform-a-clean-install-of-windows-8.1-with-a-windows-8-key/

Hi Fangzhou CHEN

I'm using an HP Pavilion notebook that was pre-loaded with Windows 8. (I'm pretty sure it was).

I remember it froze on me soon after purchase and it had to go back to the store to get repaired. Maybe this accounts for the Key code not working?

I downloaded 2 x 'key finder' program s and both gave me the same windows key code.

Not too experienced with all this but surely  if I am automatically upgraded I shouldn't need a code.

Thanks for replying.

Well, it now seems that the code I've been putting in may no longer work as I had repairs done to the machine.

As I had Windows 8 already, the upgrade is supposed to be free.

It looks like I will have to re-install windows 8, I assume that if I do so, all my data will be deleted. I suppose this means iTunes content as well!!

Considering I never allowed this stupid upgrade in the first place, I think it's a cheek that i'm having to go through all this for something I never wanted. And even being asked to BUY a new key code!!!

Thanks for the help anyway.

Peter

You could always give the activation department a call and explain the situation and see if they can help. I have solved many of activation issues that way. To avoid these types of fiascos in the future, change your Windows Update to download updates but let you choose whether to install them. That way you know what you're installing and you don't randomly get 8.1 on a reboot.

• Edited by Acreed02 12 hours 9 minutes ago

You could always give the activation department a call and explain the situation and see if they can help. I have solved many of activation issues that way. To avoid these types of fiascos in the future, change your Windows Update to download updates but let you choose whether to install them. That way you know what you're installing and you don't randomly get 8.1 on a reboot.

• Edited by Acreed02 Thursday, March 26, 2015 7:12 PM

Hello Peter,

Do you use the OEM Windows 8 computer?

If so, about the activation issue, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer.
Please try to install the Windows 8 and use the key to activate it and then update to Windows 8.1.

Best regards,
Fangzhou CHEN

It looks like I will have to re-install windows 8, I assume that if I do so, all my data will be deleted. I suppose this means iTunes content as well!!

What is preventing you from backing up your data prior to a reinstall?

You can run this command, and post the contents of the report.txt from the Desktop, and we might be able to see what exact state Windows is currently in:

Licensingdiag.exe -report %userprofile%\desktop\report.txt -log %userprofile%\desktop\repfiles.cab

You may need to run this from an elevated command prompt.

Hi,

thanks, I'll give it a go over the weekend.

I have an external hard drive which I can put some files on. Don't have a great deal to back up, mostly my music.

Thanks for the advice.

Peter.