Can I use the key to simply activate an already installed trial version of 8.1 Pro on my PC?
1774668
Sorry I really don't know. I think the key only unlocks the disk and allows files to be installed. Once you install it and updated you get a different product key. If you right click on the left bottom of screen on the windows icon and then click on System. Once the window pops up scroll down to the bottom and you will see where is says Windows Activated and Product ID. I don't know if it would take the number or not. The number is program into the disk and may not be an online number. All you can do is try or call Microsoft, I don't think it would work.
1833138
The one I received had a "legal" product key... meaning it was accepted by Microsoft when I activated the installation ...
505172
No, it does not. It overwrites the old version. Also the product key does not work if you change your country in installation i.e. you can't buy the product in US and install it in a computer in UK.
1426641
if the original installation is a full version and is still is on your computer and can launch by itself then you do not need the original key. However, if the original 3.5 application is nor a full version and cannot be launched then you need your original key.
452633
Here's a link to the page. Make sure you click on Windows 8, not 8.1. You can upgrade to 8.1 later in Windows Store. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only
2144118
You need to download the package from Amazon which will contain the your serial number. You don't need to reinstall. You can simply enter your serial to activate the trial you already have installed.
1339939
The download link is what you get and it will upgrade to the latest version (whatever it is or becomes). You get a license activation number with this purchase.
1747568
There is a trail for Microsoft Office which comes pre-installed. However you need to buy it or enter an activation code if you already have one?
2190033
No, Win 8.1 pro, both 32 and 64 bit, comes in a full upgrade version and will upgrade a previous version of Windows. If you just upgrading to pro, then you need 8.1 installed before you can upgrade the license to pro. See the other answers to upgrade a win 8 to 8.1 (non Pro) for free, but you will still need to get a new pro upgrade license to make it a full 8.1 Pro.
1211805
Not sure how, but I want to know how to update Win 8.1 look/uses the same as Win 7 officially.
1510575
Windows 7 pro 64 is installed but the activation is failing. Does the computer come with a valid product key for windows 7?
26384
It comes preloaded with a trial version, buy you must purchase office to activate it.
1091131
Go to Microsoft or you computer support group as I have yet to reinstall 8 ,and all of my desktops are oem install on PC's built by me ! If it does not work its $69.95 down loaded from Amazon and takes about 15 to 30 min to do !
995632
I do not know why you would be having a problem activating. You could take a look at this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-activate-windowsActivation carries very few real benefits. It's a nuisance to have an unactivated copy, but you can ignore the activation messages and still use the computer for now. Certain Microsoft products such as Microsoft Security Essentials might require an activated version of Windows before you can use them (at least this happened in 7). I don't know if not having it activated will cause you problems down the line, so I recommend getting that fixed as soon as possible. Try contacting the seller and let them know the key you got doesn't work. I do not know why you would be having a problem activating. You could take a look at this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-activate-windowsActivation carries very few real benefits. It's a nuisance to have an unactivated copy, but you can ignore the activation messages and still use the computer for now. Certain Microsoft products such as Microsoft Security Essentials might require an activated version of Windows before you can use them (at least this happened in 7). I don't know if not having it activated will cause you problems down the line, so I... » Read More I do not know why you would be having a problem activating. You could take a look at this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-activate-windowsActivation carries very few real benefits. It's a nuisance to have an unactivated copy, but you can ignore the activation messages and still use the computer for now. Certain Microsoft products such as Microsoft Security Essentials might require an activated version of Windows before you can use them (at least this happened in 7). I don't know if not having it activated will cause you problems down the line, so I recommend getting that fixed as soon as possible. Try contacting the seller and let them know the key you got doesn't work. « Show Less
1370628
NO, but you can follow these instructions first to make your Win 7 genuine. If you do find yourself with a non-genuine version of Windows after performing a hardware upgrade, replacing a failing component, or - in an extreme worst case scenario - upgrading a hardware driver or firmware that causes Windows to think you're using a new component, you'll need to activate Windows again with Microsoft. To re-activate a Windows 7 PC, you'll need to open the Windows Activation tool. To do so, click the Start button, type "Activate" into the Start menu, and click the Windows Activation shortcut. Select the "Show me other ways to activate" option and go through the wizard, selecting the "Use the automated phone system" option. You'll then be given a toll-free number you can dial. If everything goes properly, you'll be given a confirmation ID you can enter into the Windows Activation tool to make Windows genuine again. If the automated system fails, you'll be put on the line with a Microsoft customer service representative. Explain your situation and they'll hopefully allow you to re-active your installed copy of Windows, making it genuine again
290143
If u had an oem license before then yes. Or else u can use the same key again as long as its a single computer u have it installed on. You may have call MS support to get activation code because they will have record of your previous installed computer.
2265573
win 8 not pro and does upgrade to 8.1 free. You have to do updates to win 8 before it can do the upgrade to 8.1