Pau1A11en :
I was under the impression that Win 8 and 8.1 used separate product keys eg. windows 8 key wouldn't register an 8.1 image, same type (pro x64) or not. I'd actually started this utility but saw the only drop down options were 8.1 ver.
Windows 8.1 used the same keys as 8. Two of my machines were 8 upgraded to 8.1, using 8 keys. Use the 8.1 Pro x64 option and you'll be fine.
Pau1A11en :
I'm currently downloading the installation media to try this but dont see how a motherboard that came with a windows 7 installation that I then did a clean install from a windows 8 CD is going to somehow recognize or be recognized by a windows 8.1 media creation tool. Or am i missing something fundamental about how things work post ueif paradigm
You're not missing something about "post uefi", you're missing a hell of a lot of information about how computers and operating systems work. If your manufacturer has Windows 8 drivers, you can install Windows 8 without problems. In fact, for most systems it's EASIER to install Windows 8 because it includes more generic drivers for newer motherboards. On top of that, the media creation tool only makes an install MEDIA, it doesn't actually install windows. You instead make a DVD or USB stick that can then be used to install.