Windows 8 Pro KEY problem

[Syd]

Help !!
I have installed windows 8 pro upgrade edition, and when prompted to put in the activation code (which I can only assume is the key on the credit card that comes in the windows 8 package) I get told that the code is incorrect ????? Having never had this before I am totally flumoxed !!! Please tell me where I am going wrong

[directhex]

The code on the card is called a "Product Key", and is a 25-digit code of the form ABCDE-ABCDE-ABCDE-ABCDE-ABCDE

The only other key I can think you're talking about is an activation confirmation code, a 54-digit code of the form 123456-123456-123456-123456-123456-123456-123456-123456.

Where, precisely, are you being prompted to enter a code?

[Syd]

In windows - it's to activate the os, I'm not sure why I didn't do it when I installed the os 5 weeks ago !!

[Syd]

When I say - 'never had this before' I mean I have never encountered a windows/any other key that has not worked !
It couldn't possibly want my vista pk could it ?

[Iain162]

Your making it sound like the 54 digit activation code.. you should be able to get one if you call microsofts automated phone service, its a free phone number that should be given to you if you dissconnect from the internet and atempt to activate, it asks for a code that should be displayed on the same window as the phone number which you key in with your phone and in return you get an activation code but this service works even if you've activated the same serial number in the past also i'd guess theres a limit to how many times this can be done because i think theres a 6-12 month reset time on activating over the internet but ive had to use the phone service multiple times within the same year before now with no problems..

It would definitely be useful if you could get back to us with which key exactly it is you need though, screenshots would be even better.

[directhex]

When I say - 'never had this before' I mean I have never encountered a windows/any other key that has not worked !
It couldn't possibly want my vista pk could it ?

So you're being forced to activate Windows, because you left it unactivated for too long past the grace period, and now you're locked out?

There should be a phone number on the screen. You need to phone it to receive a 54-digit activation code, assuming online activation isn't available to you. You do not have a copy of this code, it is generated at Microsoft's end.

If I understand you correctly, the window you are NOT seeing is this one, which requires the 25 digit code you have on your card:



It sounds like the window you have is this one, which REQUIRES phone activation:

[Syd]

So you're being forced to activate Windows, because you left it unactivated for too long past the grace period, and now you're locked out?

There should be a phone number on the screen. You need to phone it to receive a 54-digit activation code, assuming online activation isn't available to you. You do not have a copy of this code, it is generated at Microsoft's end.

If I understand you correctly, the window you are NOT seeing is this one, which requires the 25 digit code you have on your card:



It sounds like the window you have is this one, which REQUIRES phone activation:

"So you're being forced to activate Windows, because you left it unactivated for too long past the grace period, and now you're locked out?"

Correct - Stupid, I know, but i've always been able to online activate before, and if I've made an early install error I can just reistall without worrying about too many activations - clearly not this time

I can't see the 2nd Window you have posted - but then it may be the work PC not viewing the image properly. I will check it at home and confirm your suspicions.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my problem

[Iain162]

Problem with the second picture is the same for me but if you veiw it directly it works.

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-con...te-phone-2.jpg

Even though i have seen it work on and off since the post was made..