Windows 8.1 upgrade Pro

Similar Questions

• Satellite Pro C50-A-1E6: Windows 7 Pro for Windows 8.1 Upgrade Pro

  Hello

  My laptop came with pre-installed Windows 7 Pro and also accompanies the disks to upgrade to Windows Pro 8.1, when I restart the laptop the optical drive with the disk Windows Pro 8.1 in there doesn't seem to be options for the upgrade of Windows, it's rather just the generic tools for backup/recovery of the laptop and install Windows 8.1 Pro is not mentioned anywhere.

  Am I missing something? I have to format the laptop in order so that it can resume the process of Windows 8.1?

  The laptop seems to be picking up the drive Windows Pro 8.1 because the interface is similar to that of Windows 8 (when the choice of region/keyboard) but as I said than just default to repair the existing installation without any option to upgrade.

  See you soon,.

  Paul

  > Am I missing something? I have to format the laptop in order so that it can resume the process of Windows 8.1?

  You have VICTORY 8.1 PRO 64-BIT DVD disc.
  I think that is NOT an upgrade disk, but using this installation disc, the system (Win 8.1) will be installed on the HARD drive and this procedure could get rid of Win 7

  So before you try to install Win 8.1 I recommend creating Toshiba recovery media as described in the user manual. Read it!

  After the middle of the recovery (disk or UBS flash stick) has been created, you could boot from the 8.1 WIN 64 bit PRO DVD to start the installation!

• Reinstalled Windows 7 after drive crash hard, now impossible to activate Windows 7 anytime upgrade, Pro invalid product key

  SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, I UPGRADED MY WINDOWS 7 HOME PREMIUM TO WINDOWS7 PRO.  RECENTLY, I HAD A HARD DRIVE CRASH AND HAD TO REPLACE MY HARD DRIVE.  I REINSTALLED MY ORIGINAL SOFTWARE, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO SWITCH TO WINDOWS7 PRO - I GET AN INVALID KEY ERROR.  HOW CAN I GET THAT KEY REACTIVE THANKS

  * original title - UPGRADE TO WINDOWS7 PRO VIA - HARD DISK CRASHED - REINSTALLED ORIGINAL WINDOWS7HOMEPREM TRIED TO upgrade to NEW WINDOWS7PRO STILL SAYS IS INVALID KEY - how DO I REACTIVATE THIS KEY *.

  Try this:

  How to activate Windows 7 manually
  1) click Start and in the search for box type: slui.exe 4
  (2) press the ENTER"" key.
  (3) select your "country" in the list.
  (4) choose the option "activate phone".
  5) stay on the phone and wait for a person to help you with the activation.

  I am not sure if this will work for people upgrade at any time, but it is worth it.

• Re: Satellite Pro A300 - 2C4 "Windows 7 Professional Upgrade DVD" upgrade

  We have a Satellite Pro A300 - 2C4 (bought on 23-11-09) that came with Vista Business 32-bit installed, but has been downgraded (using the provided diskette) to Windows XP due to the demands of corporate network.

  When Windows 7 became available, I bought the DVD to upgrade to Windows 7 Toshiba provided so that if the company decided to upgrade to the new operating system, we could do it on this laptop.

  That's what I tried recently to discover that we can't do as the DVD is for Win Vista upgrade Windows 7 Pro. What is the best way to upgrade without having to buy another drive to upgrade. I have a set of recovery disks for an another Toshiba SatellitePro A300 - 2 4 which was bought about 2 months before this one. These were created using the Toshiba recovery software before any changes have been made on the laprop. Would I be able to restore the system to its state of Windows Vista using these disks and then use the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade DVD to make the upgarde?

  Suggestions or recommendations would be greatly received.

  This upgrade package offered by Toshiba is upgraded from Vista to Win7. So if you want to use it, you must install Vista recovery image at first.

  After that, you can upgrade pre-installed Vista to Win7 following the Toshiba s implementation instructions.
  I did the same thing my Qosmio X 300.

  If you cannot use created recovery disc either s order Toshiba Vista recovery disk or (perhaps the best solution) install the clean version of Win7. A300 is fully supported for Win7 and you can download all the necessary drivers and tools specific to Toshiba and utilities.

• XP Pro OEM of Windows 7 OEM upgrade

  Can I legally move my XP Pro OEM of Windows 7 OEM license?

  You can move legally Windows XP Professional OEM of Windows 7 OEM [(versions de System Builder).] This will be a clean install, since there is no way to upgrade XP at all.

  The upgrade to Windows XP?

  Please read these instructions carefully and completely before you begin installing Windows 7: there are important steps that you must follow to upgrade your PC from Windows XP to Windows 7 in order to preserve your files and settings.

  Before you begin, you'll need to backup all your data to an external storage device, and you will need all the installation discs for the programs that you want to keep. Please make sure that you have an external hard drive (see details below).

  More detailed instructions are available at windows.microsoft.com/upgrade-windows-xp. Here are the basic steps.

  1. start Windows Upgrade Advisor (windows.microsoft.com/upgradeadvisor) to see if there are known issues that may affect the installation and the question of whether you should install the version of 32 or 64 bit Windows 7.

  2 back up your files and settings on an external hard drive using Windows Easy Transfer (windows.microsoft.com/windows-easy-transfer). If you do not have an external hard drive, you will not be able to use Windows Easy Transfer. Alternatively, you can copy the files you want to keep on a USB stick, CD or DVD.

  3. you will need to manually reinstall your programs, such as Microsoft Office, after I installed Windows 7. Gather the installation for your programs and all partner/license product key discs. You may be able to download programs from the Internet. For example, Windows Live Messenger can be installed from the download.live.com/messenger.

  4. Insert the Windows 7 DVD in your PC. When asked "which type of installation you want. Click on "Custom (advanced)."

  5. when Windows 7 is installed, use Windows Easy Transfer to restore your files and settings.

  If you are not comfortable Windows 7 installation, check with a local retail or the services of the PC company store to see if they offer upgrade services.

  http://www.notebooks.com/2009/10/13/WinXP-to-Win7/

  Releasing it's easy: with Windows | ActiveWin | Laptops | Microsoft MVP

• Issue of license upgrade: Windows XP Home - > Win7 Pro?

  Microsoft licenses allow an install WinXP Home to upgrade to Win7 Pro through the 'Upgrade' of Win7 Pro edition?

  Thank you

  Microsoft licenses allow an install WinXP Home to upgrade to Win7 Pro through the 'Upgrade' of Win7 Pro edition?

  Thank you

  Yes, Windows XP Home Edition can be an eligible license, but you will need to do a custom installation, there is no direct upgrade path from it.

  The upgrade to Windows XP?

  
  

  Please read these instructions carefully and completely before you begin installing Windows 7: there are important steps that you must follow to upgrade your PC from Windows XP to Windows 7 in order to preserve your files and settings.

  
  

  Before you begin, you'll need to backup all your data to an external storage device, and you will need all the installation discs for the programs that you want to keep. Please make sure that you have an external hard drive (see details below).

  
  

  
  

  
  

  More detailed instructions are available at windows.microsoft.com/upgrade-windows-xp. Here are the basic steps.

  1. start Windows Upgrade Advisor (windows.microsoft.com/upgradeadvisor) to see if there are known issues that may affect the installation and the question of whether you should install the version of 32 or 64 bit Windows 7.

  2 back up your files and settings on an external hard drive using Windows Easy Transfer (windows.microsoft.com/windows-easy-transfer). If you do not have an external hard drive, you will not be able to use Windows Easy Transfer. Alternatively, you can copy the files you want to keep on a USB stick, CD or DVD.

  3. you will need to manually reinstall your programs, such as Microsoft Office, after I installed Windows 7. Gather the installation for your programs and all partner/license product key discs. You may be able to download programs from the Internet. For example, Windows Live Messenger can be installed from the download.live.com/messenger.

  4. Insert the Windows 7 DVD in your PC. When asked "which type of installation you want. Click on "Custom (advanced)."

  5. when Windows 7 is installed, use Windows Easy Transfer to restore your files and settings.

  If you are not comfortable Windows 7 installation, check with a local retail or the services of the PC company store to see if they offer upgrade services.

  http://www.notebooks.com/2009/10/13/WinXP-to-Win7/

  http://www.notebooks.com/2009/10/07/using-Windows-easy-transfer-in-Windows-7/

• Upgrade of Windows 8 Blurry\Fuzzy Pro install dvd screen and a flash drive.

  Upgrade of Windows 8 Blurry\Fuzzy Pro install dvd screen and a flash drive. Each screen is blurred during the installation. Managed to get

  It is installed. A great until I had to reboot after the installation of windows updates. It starts with the first good looking for Windows 8 logo then

  the monitor turns off and the computer is still running. Reset and I get the windows repair screen. Sometimes, his clear and sometimes

  its blur. I have a motherboard Asus M2N with a Nvidia geforce GT 240 video card. I'm guessing that the windows install 8 pro and pre of initialization

  use some funky video drivers before windows loads the correct nvidia drivers. Microsoft needs to do a better install disc that allows to display the

  graphics correctly. Windows8-UpgradeAssistan does not really check very good material. I ran the windows 8 developer preview and it

  had no problem. Y at - it a hope?

  Hi SteveSimmons,

  I imagine the inconvenience that you are experiencing. I will certainly help the question of fixing.

  I suggest you install the latest drivers from Nvidia geforce GT 240 for Windows 8 from the link below video card:

  http://www.nvidia.com/download/index.aspx?lang=en-us&ptid=1&PSID=52&PID=0

  I hope that the information above helps you.

• Error code: Trying 80072F8F update windows after fresh install - Dell Vostro 1510 - (Windows 7 x 64 PRO)

  Hello, I'm trying to update windows after installation and I get error code 80072F8F.  After looking for other pages, I checked my BIOS date and time are correct and Windows as well.

  Laptop: Dell VOSTRO 1510
  Windows 7 x 64 PRO

  I already activated Windows (silly me to check everything actually works) and I need a solution as soon as POSSIBLE.

  I needed Windows update to try and fix a number display adapter (card intel not giving not external display resolutions)- but that's another question.

  I hope that there is a fix out there somewhere in the ether.

  -Giant_Cheeseman

  No anti-virus installed at the present time, no anti-spyware, no firewall.

  Repost: What were the problems you are experiencing that you thought that a "new facility" could solve?

  The foregoing notwithstanding, and since you neglected to install an antivirus application...

  Personal data backup (which none should be considered 100% reliable at this point) then format the HARD disk and do a clean install of Windows.  Please note that a repair installation (upgrade AKA on-site) won't fix this!

  HOW to do a clean install of Vista: section "If you want to reinstall Windows Vista by running a new installation...". "of http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-Vista

  Once installed the clean, you will have the equivalent of a "new computer" in order to take care of everything on the next page before connecting the machine to the internet or one local network (i.e. other computers) otherwise and before using a flash drive or the SD card that is not brand new, or has not been freshly formatted:

  4 steps to help protect your new computer before going online
       http://www.Microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

  Tip: After getting the computer fully patched, download/install KB971029 manually: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

  NB: No matter what Norton or McAfee free trial which is preinstalled on the computer when you bought will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the trial for free and download/run the removal tool before installing updates, Windows Service Packs, or updates IE and before installing your new anti-virus application (which will require WinXP SP3 must be installed).

  Norton Removal Tool
       FTP://ftp.Symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

  McAfee Consumer product removal tool
       http://download.McAfee.com/Products/Licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

  ~ Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (that is to say, mail, security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ WARNING: MS MVPs represent or work for Microsoft

• Windows 8.1 secure pro Boot is not configured properly

  After the upgrade through shop windows to Windows Pro 8.1, I get the watermark:

  «windows 8.1 secureBoot pro is not configured properly to build 9600»

  I went into the BIOS, tried allowing the secure startup, disabling, restore the factory keys, but nothing has solved the problem.

  The command (windows powershell administrator) Confirm-SecureBootUEFI returns false.

  Any ideas?

  Best regards

  Z.

  I explain how I solved the problem in my Ideapad y510p.

  1 - Press the windows key and the search for "start".

  2 - Click on "change advanced startup options."

  3. in the title of "Advanced boot", click "restart now."

  4 - click "troubleshooting."

  5 - Click on 'Advanced Options '.

  6 - click on "parameters of UEFI firmware.

  At this point, you should see the configuration of the bios/uefi page:

  7 - go to 'security' and then 'reset to installation mode.

  8. then, go to 'leave', then 'exit saving changes.

  Once back in windows, repeat the steps 1 to 6, then in the bios screen:

  -return to 'security' and this time select "restore the keys to the factory.

  -Then go to 'leave', then 'exit saving changes.

  At the next reboot, the problem should be solved, or at least it worked for me. I exclude not only performing the second part of the operation as described is sufficient to solve the problem.

• Y at - it a link to the free update or I must first upgrade to Windows 7 and upgrade them to Windows 10?

  Original title: Dee

  I have an old Dell Inspiron 15 with Vista Home Premium and want to switch to the window of 10. Y at - it a link to the free update or I must first upgrade to Windows 7 and upgrade them to Windows 10? Or could it be the Windows 10 Pro?

  The free offer of Windows 10 is not available for Vista.  You need to upgrade to Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1.

• Install Windows 7.0 Upgrade worm on a 8.1 of Windows as a dual boot?

  I use Windows 8.1 on my new out of the box PC and would like to have a dual boot with Windows 7.0 that I'm having a lot of problems with the Windows 8.1 and the recording software and hardware, that I am running.

  I had Windows 7.0 no (or very little) problems with my software registration or hardware.

  Is it possible for me to have Windows 7.0 and Windows 8.1 as a dual boot with my Windows 7.0 upgrade DVD, without blowing the OS Windows 8.1?

  Thank you

  Tony

  Hello

  Please contact Microsoft Community.

  I suggest you refer to the suggestion given by Andre Da Costa in the mentioned thread:

  http://answers.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows/Forum/windows_8-windows_install/dual-boot-Windows-8-Pro-and-Windows-7/0c2887f8-fbe8-489a-BA20-b8ba2dfb0eab

  Using third-party software, including hardware drivers can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from starting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the use of third-party software can be solved. Software using third party is at your own risk.

  Hope this information helps.

• Windows 7 anytime upgrade

  Hello

  I have the disc of Windows 7 Home Premium and bought professional through AnytimeUpgrade.

  Now I want to reinstall my win7 and just wondering if I'll be able to get the edition pro again? I don't remember if these 2 share the same product key...

  Thank you!

  The first thing you need to do is to get your key to Windows 7 Professional upgrade Express:
   
  An e-mail containing your product key will be sent to the e-mail address associated with your Windows Live ID account or e-mail address you provided if you ignored the account configuration. Note: If you use an email tool or spam blocker spam filter, be sure that you can receive e-mail messages from microsoft.com.
   
  What happens if I lose my product key?
   
  If you lose your product key, you can return to

  www.Windows7.com/GetKey and sign in using the "Sign In" link in the upper right of the page. This will allow to recover your product key if you have established your account with your Windows Live ID. If you do not configure a Windows Live ID account initially there is no record of your online product key. Check your e-mail since it is the only trace of your product key.
   
   
   
  or

  Here are four utilities, which can display your product keys if they are still there:
  Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
  (He did a good job of providing a wealth of information.)
   
  Also: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
  and: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
  and RockXP: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4138.html which has additional features.
   
  --------------------
   
  The next thing you need to do is to ensure that your data is backed up:
   
  http://notebooks.com/2010/12/27/how-to-backup-to-an-external-hard-drive/
   http://notebooks.com/2011/02/25/how-to-restore-a-backup-from-an-external-hard-drive-in-Windows-7/
   
  -------------------
   
  The next thing you need to do is to reinstall the base license that you upgraded, Windows 7 Starter Edition or Home Premium.
   
  If your computer is pre-installed with Windows 7:
   
  New computers coming often pre-installed with Windows 7 have what is called a recovery partition. This is used to reinstall an operating system in the case of a system failure. To access it, you need to start when you start your computer by pressing a function key. This can be either F1, F2, F9, F10, F11, F12 key DEL or tab. See the manual that came with your PC for instructions on how to reinstall Windows.

  This is how the recovery partition is accessible to most popular brands...

  For Dell, press CTRL + F11 directly after switching on the device

  For HP, press F11 directly after switching on the device

  For LG, press F11 directly after switching on the device

  For Toshiba, press and hold "0" BEFORE and during the power upward

  For Acer, press and hold ALT + F10, as soon as you see the logo

  For Asus, press F9, as soon as you see the Asus logo.

  For Samsung, press F4 to the power upward...

  For Fujitsu, press the F8 key directly after the power

  Advent, restart your computer. Then, press F10 repeatedly until the message "Starting system recovery"

  Sony VAIO, reboot and press "F8" or "F10" repeatedly until the screen "Advanced Boot Options".

  In general, look at the screen during the POST for a tip for what is possible.
   
   
   
  If your recovery partition is not available or damaged, you must contact the manufacturer of your computer, and request that a defined recovery disk you can use to reinstall Windows 7. They could practice a small shipping and handling.
   
   
   
  ------------------------
   
  If it was a store bought retail license:
   
  http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows7/installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7
   
   
   
  --------------------
   
  After you have reinstalled your original license, make sure that it is enabled before doing the upgrade to Windows 7 Professional:
   
  How to activate Windows 7 manually (activate by phone)
   
  1) click Start and in the search for box type: slui.exe 4
   
  (2) press the ENTER"" key.
   
  (3) select your "country" in the list.
   
  (4) choose the option "activate phone".
   
  (5) stay on the phone (do not select/press all options) and wait for a person to help you with the activation.
   
  (6) explain your problem clearly to the support person.
   
   http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

  ----------------------
   
  Redo the Express Upgrade:
   
  Click Start, type Anytime Upgrade, click on the option enter a key, enter the key of Windows 7 Professional on demand, click Next, wait while checking the key, accept the license agreement, click on upgrade, wait while the software upgrades, (it may take 10 minutes or more depending on the if updates are required) your computer restarts automatically, after the reboot, Windows 7 will notify you updating the computer, the computer will restart once more automatically and will be completed the upgrade, a window will appear notifying the upgrade was successful and your computer is ready to use, click Close, you should be upgraded to Windows 7 Professional your files, programs and settings retained.
   
   
   
  ---------------
   
  Go to reactivate the license again.

  You can create a system image, which you can easily restore when you want to do a new installation in the future:

  http://www.notebooks.com/2009/10/24/how-to-backup-your-installation-of-Windows-7/

• Can I make Windows 7 anytime upgrade now that Windows 8 is out?

  I want to buy an older ultrabook which has Windows Home Premium, but I need Windows 7 Professional for the job. I was wondering if I would still be able to upgrade at any time, given that Windows 8 is released. Microsoft or their reseller still selling Windows 7 Pro licenses for the anytime upgrades?

  You can try the Express via the built-in Wizard upgrade:

  First of all, check that the edition of Windows 7, you are upgrading is already enabled (if it isn't, you will encounter complications and that you might start all by performing a clean installation). Click Start, type Anytime Upgrade, click the option to purchase a key. Wait while loading of the Express Upgrade page, click on the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade to buy it.

  Click Next, fill in your details (it is important that you do this because the product key will be sent to you as a backup in case you need to reinstall) enter your credit card information, click next to begin the upgrade, wait while checking the key, accept the license agreement , click upgrade, wait while the software updates, (it may take 10 minutes or more, depending on the case, updates are required), your computer restarts automatically, after the reboot, Windows 7 will notify its update of the computer, the computer will restart once more automatically and will be completed the upgrade, a windows will pop up by notifying the upgrade was successful and your computer is ready to use, click Close, you should be upgraded to Windows 7 Professional, your files, programs and settings stored, proceed to activate Windows 7 Professional.

  If its not available, you buy on amazon.com and enter the key in the Express Upgrade Wizard:

  Microsoft Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade (Home Premium to Professional) [Code online]

  

  As of Windows Vista, you can launch the wizard Express upgrade of the Start menu > all programs group or in the control panel. The wizard provides two methods to unlock a higher SKU, you can go online, purchase of a license, or if you already have a key, simply enter it. This is a major positive for customers who do not have a credit card or access to Internet.

  

  Enter your product key

  

  Check the product key

  

  Accept the license agreement

  

  During the process at any time to update, your computer will be restarted.

• Need to do a clean install of Windows 7 after upgrading with an Express upgrade

  I have a Dell, I used the improved anytime W7 home premum Pro on a 1 1/2 years. I need to do a clean install. How can I keep my o/s W7 pro? I have access to a W7 pro reinstall disk.

  The first thing you need to do is to get your key to Windows 7 Professional upgrade Express:
   
  An e-mail containing your product key will be sent to the e-mail address associated with your Windows Live ID account or e-mail address you provided if you ignored the account configuration. Note: If you use an email tool or spam blocker spam filter, be sure that you can receive e-mail messages from microsoft.com.
   
  What happens if I lose my product key?
   
  If you lose your product key, you can return to

  www.Windows7.com/GetKey and sign in using the "Sign In" link in the upper right of the page. This will allow to recover your product key if you have established your account with your Windows Live ID. If you do not configure a Windows Live ID account initially there is no record of your online product key. Check your e-mail since it is the only trace of your product key.
   
   
   
  or

  Here are four utilities, which can display your product keys if they are still there:
  Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
  (He did a good job of providing a wealth of information.)
   
  Also: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
  and: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
  and RockXP: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4138.html which has additional features.
   
  --------------------
   
  The next thing you need to do is to ensure that your data is backed up:
   
  http://notebooks.com/2010/12/27/how-to-backup-to-an-external-hard-drive/
   http://notebooks.com/2011/02/25/how-to-restore-a-backup-from-an-external-hard-drive-in-Windows-7/
   
  -------------------
   
  The next thing you need to do is to reinstall the base license that you upgraded, Windows 7 Starter Edition or Home Premium.
   
  If your computer is pre-installed with Windows 7:
   
  New computers coming often pre-installed with Windows 7 have what is called a recovery partition. This is used to reinstall an operating system in the case of a system failure. To access it, you need to start when you start your computer by pressing a function key. This can be either F1, F2, F9, F10, F11, F12 key DEL or tab. See the manual that came with your PC for instructions on how to reinstall Windows.

  This is how the recovery partition is available for the most popular brands

  For Dell, press CTRL + F11 directly after switching on the device

  For HP, press F11 directly after switching on the device

  For Toshiba, press and hold "0" BEFORE and during the power upward

  For Acer, press and hold ALT + F10, as soon as you see the logo

  For Asus, press F9, as soon as you see the Asus logo.

  Advent, restart your computer. Then, press F10 repeatedly until the message "Starting system recovery"

  ----------------------
   
  Redo the Express Upgrade:
   
  Click Start, type Anytime Upgrade, click on the option enter a key, enter the key of Windows 7 Professional on demand, click Next, wait while checking the key, accept the license agreement, click on upgrade, wait while the software upgrades, (it may take 10 minutes or more depending on the if updates are required) your computer restarts automatically, after the reboot, Windows 7 will notify you updating the computer, the computer will restart once more automatically and will be completed the upgrade, a window will appear notifying the upgrade was successful and your computer is ready to use, click Close, you should be upgraded to Windows 7 Professional your files, programs and settings retained.
   
   
   
  ---------------
   
  Go to reactivate the license again.

• Cannot update Windows 7 with upgrade of Windows 8 so that I've already paid.

  Earlier, I bought a Windows 8 Pro upgrade. Recently, I rebuilt my computer by using the Windows 7 installer that came with the PC (Home Premium). I now turn to the 8 Pro window using the key that I've already paid for.

  When I use the Updgrade Wizard of Windows 8, it tells me that Windows 8 is not available in my area.

  When I use the Windows 8.1 Upgrade Wizard, he asks me if I want to pay $100 + for win 8.1 or nearly $200 to win 8.1 Pro.

  I want just to get my upgrade product key I bought already and get my life back.

  Anyone know how I might be able to do this?

  Thank you, Jayant Gupta, but none of the suggestions worked.

  What I ended up doing was downloading a copy of Windows 8 on MSDN developers and this website accepted my installation key during an upgrade to windows 7.

  So now I have an authentic installation of Windows 8 Pro and after a few rounds of updates to get to 8.1, I'll be all ready for 10.

  Thanks again.