Please help me jump through flamming windows hoops

[Workshop Marcus]

Ok, I did a custom pc build. Then I used a media file to install windows 8.1 and have build 9600 running on it now. I have an upgrade product key for 8.0. However it won't "this version of windows".... So, now I have no idea what to do.... any thoughts? I have already tried this link:

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-create-a-windows-8-installation-dvd-or-usb-drive-505769939

the setup wizard doesn't work, it says its going online to check some things and then it fails. It says I have no internet connection, which since I'm posting here is obviously wrong. I also tried another similar wizard but it gives only options for 8.1. Tried from 2 different computers. I'm getting seriously frustrated. I need a walk-through or link to an actual link to clean working 8.0 media iso.... Please help!

 

[Shaun o]

Hang on your trying to use a windows 8 key for an installation of windows 8.1

You need to install windows 8, then use your windows 8 legit and valid licence key to activate windows 8.
Then you can download from MS the windows 8.1 upgrade package.
Or if you choose if still available for free windows 10.

If you are trying to use a key where there is a sticker placed on your system it is because the licence is for a pre installed version of the windows 8, or another system with a key on it will not work as that version of windows is locked to the system it was installed on.

If you are trying to download a non legit version of windows. it is also the reason why the licence key you are entering is validated or will not validate.

You would have to use a retail version of the OS with a legit and new licence key bought from Microsoft.

An Oem key will not be accepted if the OS installed is a retail varsion of the software.
Or vice versa.

 

[unksol]

Sounds like he's trying to use an upgrade key which is no licensed for new install.

But a legal copy.

 

[Workshop Marcus]

So... A LEGAL product key isn't a product key? If I find media for windows 8 will this work? A windows 8 product key won't activate 8.1 even though 8.1 upgrade from 8 is free? I'm even more confused. I would like to have a legitimate legal copy of windows 8. I only installed 8.1 build 9600 so i could test my hardware while I waited for my boxed copy of windows 8 with a legal product key to come in from amazon. Which as i understand is the point of build 9600. Now I'm all screwed up. Also I'm quite frustrated, why is an il-legit version of windows so much easier to get on my my machine than the legit license I've spent money on? This is crazy! If I install windows 8.0 media will my product key work? Or do i need to do some kind of crazy work around where I like install 7 build # w/e and then upgrade to 8 so i can use the product key i just spent $ on? Also, if using windows 8.0 media will solve the problem can some PLEASE point me toward the 8.0 media (iso) which I can't seem to find since this version came with a cd and my new build hasn't included any outdated hardware like cd rom, floppy disk or an A-track player lol.

 

[Workshop Marcus]

Ok I downloaded the 8.1 iso from Microsoft. Then did a clean install. That accepted my product key... This was stupid, it should have just accepted it from the start and allowed me to activate Windows.