Windows 8.1 Pro License Key

Da_Ch0sen
Da_Ch0sen used Ask the Experts™
on
I have the product key to upgrade windows 8.1 to windows 8.1 Pro.

After a hard drive crash, can I install windows 8.1 Pro using the same license? Or shall I install windows 8.1 and use the key to upgrade it to windows 8.1 Pro?
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Dan CraciunIT Consultant

Commented:
AFAIK, you can clean install Win 8.1 Pro and use the key you have.

Don't know if you're not legally required to install Win 8.1 first, but technically you don't have to.

HTH,
Dan
Michael-Best

Commented:
If your PC is running Windows 8.1, you can get Windows 8.1 Pro Pack and enjoy all the features of Windows 8.1 Pro as well as Windows Media Center for $99.99 USD

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/feature-packs
Dan CraciunIT Consultant

Commented:
@Michael: the OP already bought a Win 8.1 Pro key...
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Michael-Best

Commented:
Install windows 8.1 and use the key to upgrade it to windows 8.1 Pro.
Commented:
The key is only for upgrade so you must first repair the install or reinstall windows 8.1 then you can use the  update key to go to windows 8.1 Pro.
Da_Ch0sen

Author

Commented:
I've requested that this question be deleted for the following reason:

didn't try any of the answers, and non was satisfactory
Dan CraciunIT Consultant

Commented:
If the OP did not try any of the answers, how does he/she knows that the answers are not working??
Da_Ch0sen

Author

Commented:
checking these two contradictory comments:

Michael-Best"The key is only for upgrade so you must first repair the install or reinstall windows 8.1 then you can use the  update key to go to windows 8.1 Pro."

Dan Craciun:
"AFAIK, you can clean install Win 8.1 Pro and use the key you have."

Michael-Best"The key is only for upgrade so you must first repair the install or reinstall windows 8.1 then you can use the  update key to go to windows 8.1 Pro."

Dan Craciun:
"AFAIK, you can clean install Win 8.1 Pro and use the key you have."

this is why i requested the deletion of the question, cause i cloned the old drive to the new one, so i ended up not testing any of the above to accredit a correct answer to them.
Dan CraciunIT Consultant

Commented:
Both answers are correct:
- legally, you should install Windows 8.1, then upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro
- technically, you can install directly Windows 8.1 Pro.
Da_Ch0sen

Author

Commented:
Actually no,
legally and technically it does not work, I needed to install windows 8.1, and then use that code to upgrade it to PRO.
that code doesn't work on a clean win 8.1 pro installation.
Michael-Best

Commented:
My comments supply correct information.
If you think that they do not help or that awarding points is detrimental? , then that is your choice.
As volunteers our only satisfaction is the recognition of helping by being awarded points ( points do not earn $ )
Regards,
Michael

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