Can't use my Windows 8 serial Key [SOLVED]

Hey folks.

So I had installed Windows 7 on my pc with my valid activated serial key. Later I took advantage of the upgrade to Win 8 Pro offer. I purchased it, the downloader finished downloading Windows 8.

Later after the download it gave me 3 options, one was upgrade and the 2nd one was make an image of your download (basically an ISO file to burn on DVD)

Anyhow So i selected the 2nd one, I burned the DVD.

I did a fresh install of Windows 8 this way but to my suprise my CD key is not working. The CD key I just purchased for Win 8 of course.

When i want to activate my product it tells me that this serial key is for upgrade only and not for clean install.

If this was always the case, why does Microsoft allow for option to burn an ISO image to the DVD?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 47 Knucklehead 

You should be able to do that.
It might be that the Microsoft site is either getting hammered with requests one day one, or has an error (or hopefully you didn't write the key down wrong).

I did follow those steps exactly but I got this error :(

Quote:

Originally Posted by grayfox99 

It was possible with previous versions to do an upgrade from the DVD while already logged into Windows. It does sound like the instructions were not clear enough to tell you that a clean install would not work with your key.
Edit: Knucklehead's post suggests that your key will work. I'd be interested to hear your experience if you try those instructions.

This is what I am talking about. They HAD to tell me that if i want to burn the iso image to the DVD, I wouldn't be able to use my upgrade key. Or better don't have that option at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceblade008 

Variations of these three workarounds (designed for Windows 7 Upgrade keys) are likely to work: http://www.mydigitallife.info/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-and-product-key-on-formatted-or-empty-blank-hard-drive/

Thanks for the link. I will see If i can do that.

@everyone else

Also guys I have the Windows 8 PRO installed right now. How long can i use it without the key? I dont mind just purchasing the Windows 8 PRO DVD and use it's serial number, but the physical copies are not in stores yet

I honestly hate upgrades and prefer clean installs. I dont mind loosing 40 bucks like that. Just have to drink a lot of cold water.

Hack maybe I can use this key upgrade for my laptop who knows.

Last but not least, My Windows 8 PRO is installed in Turkish, I need to purchase a Turkish Windows 8 PRO serial key right? If i get a serial key from USA, it wouldnt probably work?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DigitalSavior 

I was able to use my $40 'upgrade' key to install just fine last night. Fairly certain I did about the same thing as you. Ran the upgrade advsior, purchased key, downloaded iso, burned to DVD, custom installation.

I formatted my C drive before installing Win 8 via Sean's Guide.

I wonder if thats the problem.

Edit :

Did you also do the fresh install via booting up the PC? or while Windows 7 was on?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 47 Knucklehead 


Did you write down the key by hand or did you "copy and paste" into a text file? If you did it by hand, you might what to try a very variations of certain letters/numbers ... like 8 and B ... B and D or 1 and L ... etc.

Copy and paste