Windows 8 Lucky you if your Windows 8(.1) license key originated from Microsoft...

Have not been here since 2013, I may possibly utbe me for a reply from 'Cecilia Sth', would be fun to reconnect! If you thought I kept a low profile in recent years, think again!

Right proud to have contributed to providing you with the Microsoft license keys an almost "like clockwork" Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, has been working quietly with the evaluation à la 'Trial & Error on Windows 8 (.1) during February and March, documented and attached screenshots to Microsoft. Eventually forwarded them to the United States, and the way it is. Is the information quality, the end result is also there.

Should this not account for all the atrocities I have found, then the moderators to delete the entire post. Can only say this, that you are doing yourself a big favor if you re-install Windows 8 / Windows 8.1 from the link below that I received last Friday from Microsoft Inc., Redmond, WA. Is currently working together with a dedicated Escalation Engineer, and I have been able to confirm that I think Windows 8 (.1) "spot on" NOW !!! The thing that bothered me most about previous versions was what damn the little blue rotating wheel every time I right-clicked on an item! Sure, there still remain, especially with some programs icons, but rarely in terms of files, will now 'right click menu' up instantly!

First choose between Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. This link produces a Windows equivalent to the architecture of the system, for an x86 web browser running on a 32-bit computer, for x64 on a 64-bit. Otherwise, select the language version of Windows, and confirm the architecture. Enjoy the new Windows 8 (.1) !!!
And YES, have your genuine Microsoft license key in standby, without key in this, you are not !!!

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only?woldogcb=0

However, we have those who bought a computer with Windows 8 (.1) pre-installed! Unfortunately, it is "smoked" for you, Microsoft sells admittedly licenses to computer manufacturers, so they create their own OEM license keys! (OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer). How do you know if you have an OEM Windows 8 (.1)? Check in SYSTEMS in DiskInfo in Settings, bottom set 'Product ID' - if it ends in 'OEM' so it is useless to try to re-install. Although there is a functioning free-software that reads out the license key, but is hardly worth the work. (If you still want to try, googling 'Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder' - then solves itself!) !!! But no, the work's not! I myself am not Fejan or Twitter, but probably could pay to have their voices heard in the question!

The safe is 99% of all Windows 8 (.1) systems sold as OEM, thus no sticker with the license key in the bottom or inside the battery compartment on your laptop! Experience Windows 7 was the last MS operating system that came with the sticker affixed !!!

For that you should realize that some years of future Windows Update does not resolve the problem, forget it! To re-install solve a structural problem in Windows 8 (.1), is thus similar to demolish a house without bearing walls, and build a new functioning on the same basis !!

Kudos to those who realize that I with this post has become a "whistleblower" in the style of Edward Snowden, but then a modest scale. Have realized that I can not get the giant 'Glufs-glufs' to decide to allow for installation even for those who only have legal OEM keys, might as well kick me tired! "But little tuft of overturning the often large lass! ", you are numerous enough so you will see that it will change in the end !!! Has worked incredibly hard on this project, but think it is a pity that only selected have the opportunity to enjoy the end result !!!

I almost settled the matter, had when Windows 8 (.1) was the worst raljerat that "my next PC will be a Mac from Apple"! So far, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, but still !!!

P.S. For Office moderator! Please "encrypt" the genuine OEM key at this screenshot, just replace the HDD so no Photoshop or even GIMP, there to edit
this picture! D.S.

// Cuts Lasse: sta2r :: :: sta2r sta2r:

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I'm not entirely sure what your point is but I removed the screenshot of the windows key.

Jeez, wrote a perfectly verbatim Swedish translation, and then your system posted my previous reply again???!!!
Couldn't find my latest reply/posting again, maybe you should implement same technique that e-mail clients GMail and iCloud Mail do, i.e. continuously saving a backup of current message...???!

//KaparLasse

Hi Kapar,
in regard to Windows keys:

With the exception of Product Key Cards (PKC’s) distributed with COA’s, Microsoft does not distribute products keys as standalone products. If you see a listing on an auction site, online classified ad, or other online page advertising product keys for sale, it’s a good indication that the keys are likely stolen or counterfeit. If you were to purchase and use a stolen or counterfeit product key to activate Windows installed on your PC, the key may not work for activation, may already be in use on another PC, or it might be blocked from use later by Microsoft when the key is reported stolen. The best way to get everything you expect up front is to buy Link Removed or Link Removed.

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ref:
Link Removed

As you mention the above translation is so bad I couldn't understand fully the point you are trying to make. If you could repost your request or question then that would help enormously.

Must say I am surprised that no Swedish persons 'not-working-for-Microsoft' where available to give me a reply?

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This is a privately owned forum and everyone are volunteers.

Although this is a Microsoft based forum we are not part of Microsoft.

Sure we have users who are Swedish it's just that they might not be in the forum today but they are around..

To be honest until all the details are finalised and written in stone I wouldn't say anything is for certain.

Hi!

Haven't been around since 2013, could I possibly request for a reply from 'Cecilia Sth', would be fun to re-connect! If you were under the assumption that I have kept a low profile these few years, please re-think!

Am pretty proud for having contributed to being able to offer you guys Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 in new builds, they are I dare say, the most stable versions that have ever been launched. But offer is valid ONLY for owners of Microsoft license keys, OEM-license keys are not eligible for new upgrade. During February and March I have been working impromptu with an evaluation of Windows 8(.1) based upon 'Trial & Error', carefully documenting and enclosing Screen Dumps to Microsoft. Eventually the material were forwarded to Microsoft Inc. in USA, and that's the way it is. If the information is top quality, so will the end result become.

Within this forum I will not account for all the atrocities I have encountered along the way, would probably border on slander and Moderators will erase the entire posting. Let bygones be bygones! But wish to emphasize that you will be doing yourself a great favor if you re-install Windows 8 / Windows 8.1 from the link below which I received Friday past, from Microsoft Inc., in Redmond, WA. Am co-operating right now with a dedicated Support Escalation Engineer, and I have been able to confirm that I deem Windows 8(.1) in excellent condition now!!! What bothered me the most earlier, was the f*cking little rotating blue wheel every time I right-clicked on an item! Sure it's still there, especially with some icons pertaining to programs or apps, but seldom when files are concerned, now the 'Right-click Menu' will emerge with lightning speed!

First make your selection of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1. Please note the license key itself identifies which product it was sold for, so if you bought a key for Win 8, but have been running 8.1 upgrade for very long time, still you need to download Windows 8, and later get the 8.1 upgrade from Store. This behavior may change with time, myself I cannot see the good in overwriting your Windows 8.1 with Windows 8, not the smartest implementation I have seen. Also you most likely lose everything, it's just lika a clean install. So make sure to create a backup of 'Downloaded files', 'Documents', 'Films', 'Photos' and other cherished files... When you are left only one option, keep NOTHING, you will want to have that backup handy afterwards!

This link produces a Windows corresponding to the system architecture, for an x86 use Web Client on a 32-bit system, for x64 do same on a 64-bit system. Other than this, select your preferred language, the version of Windows your license key allows ('no-frills' or 'Pro' or 'Enterprise'. The last two can be offered with an 'N'-suffix, meaning they are defunct of some audio & video functions. And yes, just for us sorry Europeans...). Enjoy you new Windows 8(.1)!!!
And YES, keep your genuine Microsoft license key handy, without entering or pasting it you will receive nothing!!!

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only?woldogcb=0

But, then we have you guys who bought a system with Windows 8(.1) pre-installed! Unfortunately you are "so smoked"! Microsoft actually sell licenses to the Computer Industry, so they create their own OEM-license keys! (OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer). How do you know if you have an OEM-Windows 8(.1)? Check in System under Disk Information in Settings , at the bottom you will find the 'Product ID' - if that ends with 'OEM' it is futile to even try to re-install. There is however, functioning freeware that recovers your license key, but it's hardly worth the work. (If still keen to test utility, google 'Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder' - and you're ready to roll!)!!! But, no, this is still NO viable solution!
Myself I do not attend FaceBook or Twitter, but I'm quite sure that it can be worth your while and in your best interest to
post your opinions regarding this particular matter!

Am pretty sure that 99% of all Windows 8(.1)-systems are sold as OEM, thus no PKC:s (Product Key Cards) have been distributed using COA:s (Certificate of Authenticity).So, no need to look for a paper sticker at the bottom of system, or inside the battery compartment of your laptop! My information says Windows 7 was the last O/S to have the paper sticker attached!!!

So you will realize that a few years of Windows Updates will NOT solve this problem, just forget it! Re-installing solves a structural problem within Windows 8(.1), basically it is just like tearing down a house having no bearing walls, and build a new functioning one on the same foundation!!

Kudos to you that realize that with this posting I have become a new "whistleblower" Edward Snowden-style, but then on a miniscule scale. Have realized that myself I cannot change the behemot's decision into allowing re-installation also for those who have legal OEM-license keys, might as well lay down and die, huh? But democracy is in the hand of the masses, if you form an interest group large enough, you will eventually succeed in having Microsoft change their policy behind this decision!!! Myself I have worked incredibly hard with this project, and would hate to see that only a select few get the ability to enjoy the final result!!!

It was close that I just gave up this project, had when Windows 8(.1) was at it's worst bantered that "my next PC will be an Apple Mac"! So far only iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, but still!!!

P.S. <original text not translated> An uploaded Screen Shot I wanted to have masked so license key would not become public, but was rather deleted by Windows 8 Forum Moderator. D.S.

And, oh yes, had I known that an English translation would be required here, I sure would have amended some of the Swedish wording, Swedish idioms are harder to translate into English, than the other way around!!
Now I will send a Bug Report on small bug from the past that I have discovered in new Windows 8(.1) build, so, NO, it's not exactly flawless, but very close!!! I BETA-tested Windows 1.0 for Wang Labs, Inc., their Swedish subsidiary Wang Svenska, so I have reallly seen them all... You bet!

//KaparLasse

This isn't exactly a 'new' complaint regarding the limitations of OEM software. Once can always ask the vendor to supply a disk and some do for free whilst others require a fee.

KaparLasse said:

Do you have an opinion on the matter of meticously disabling long time users from Windows 8.1 re-installation, because key was sold for Windows 8, or could you agree that this is a bad judgement call?

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The limitations of OEM software has long been known about. It does on the one hand give the end user an advantage in that they will buy a computer with a copy of Windows installed. I do feel that when selling the pc or laptop/notebook the salesperson should let the customer know about what they can and cannot do with the installed software.

Whilst it's true that with OEM software users cannot do a 'clean install' they often have a partition which contains a copy of the os which allows them to at least return their installation back to factory conditions.

At the end of the day if users want more then the best thing to do is to buy a copy of Windows.

As a long time Asus user I must say i'll take an Asus OEM* over a Microsoft one any day but fyi;
1. You do NOT need a Microsoft key to download Windows 8 or 8.1 iso from Microsoft... that's what they assume but it's not required and the image you get is legal to use with a matching OEM.
2. Windows 8.1 is unstable because it was pushed out the door too soon but Microsoft has repaired most the issues with patches... you need at least the 8.1.1 patch.
3. Most OEM software can be upgraded to a pro version if you need the extras and this is done from the normal control panel after you get a new licence key from Microsoft... this does unlock the old OEM key for re-use (on that machine) and may be handy for a dual or multi boot senario.

* The term OEM = "Original equipment manufacturer" and is Windows 7 or below... MSDM is the correct term for windows 8 and above but thats another post.

Hi 'ussnorway' thanks a lot for getting in touch and supplying very interesting information.

I am not "in the loop" much anymore, am getting on in years. In fact, the first O/S I BETA-tested was Windows 1.0 for Wang Labs Inc., Swedish subsidiary Wang Svenska, worked there until '91. First let me tell you that USS Norway created an inner vision of Norway's first Battleship, as you are a NATO member, but when I
googled it I could rather find a huge Cruise Liner named SS Norway. So, I guess you got your moniker from that ship, huh? Am glad to hear that MSDN-companies DO SUPPLY Windows to their customers, I didn't know this, and you should know I got the new ASUS-laptop as a new work-system just a short time ago. I have always BETA-tested Operating Systems, since I started with Wang Taiwan, they appreciated me so highly that they added two new functions that I
needed in order to write, and I am going out on a limb here, the first RAM-database in the world circa 1991. Because Wang Labs went into Chapter Eleven around that time, shortly after they sold the concerned O/S to x-Wang people in (french) Quebec, Canada. At least the O/S was saved now, later Wang became non-existing.
OK, so I digress here, anyway I did the big mistake to buy Windows 8 untested in 2012, and it has bothered me since. Did do a thorough BETA-test of new 8.1 when that came, posted on this forum then, but got NO response, people did not want to hear about bugs in new Windows, NoNo!! Had quite a few bugs analyzed then, especially the mouse movement/response bug that Gamers all over the world realized the following week. So my summary is: Had MS been open for input from Professionals like me as early as 2012-13, then Win 8(.1) would have been fixed good 2 years ago... Then I was more or less asked to f*ck off when I wanted to report bugs, now on the other hand MS USA love me!
This beacause I work for free, and NOW guys like me are in great demand, it has always been the case with later Windows-versions that the new one inherit the "Engine" from its predecessor, so Windows 6 [Vista] donated its 'Engine' to Windows 7, who in return is the 'Engine' in Windows 8(.1). And now soon to be launched Windows 10 will be supplied with 'Engine' from Windows 8(.1)!!!
So you bet MS are busy bees now to remove as many bugs as they can before launch of Windows 10!!! In fact, to prove my theory above, yesterday morning I found a minor bug in Windows 8.1 that I discovered already in Vista around 2007 or so... Have near photographic memory, some stuff sticks with me for ever... At that time, Microsoft wouldn't have any Bug Reporting going either, had they then that bug would have been taken care of 10 years ago, instead people will have to work their butts off now! I don't think that anyone should have a channel into Microsoft Sofware Engineers, but I kind of think that proven Computer Industry Professionals should have an inner track to the most holy parts of Microsoft... i think they have had a change of heart now,
i who was shunned in 2012-13 suddenly get my own dedicated liaison, an experienced Support Escalation Engineer - have never had one of those before!!! Also, he was assigned to me from the very top of Microsoft, by the
Office of Advocate General for Western Europe, you can't reach a much higher level than that, unless you know Bill, of course...

One of my favourite pastimes is in fact to check software, homepages and Operating Systems for potential bugs or other flaws. I kind of hated it when HTML came, without any syntax control, and could not be compiled??!!!
Yes, the youth, always wanted new toys, and other music than their parents..
But, Enough is Enough!!! Wrote my last big multi-user Order Entry System around 1991-93, and then it was all over... i regret that, it had been my life for so many years... But then again, few of us who are experienced in debugging Operating Systems are around any longer, maybe I am the last of an outdying
category of Analysts??? Maybe Microsoft Inc. will realize what a catch I am?

Have a separate office fully furnished with everything possibly needed, then of course including 2.4 and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi from my 100+ mbit/s fibre-optic cable delivering internet to/from my home.

Many warm thanks for your information. After having been, in my youth, 'Reserve-Nordmann' in Ibiza serveral years in a row, I do speak near perfect Norwegian (Bokmål, not the gibberish from up north), but sorry to say I don't write better than sh*t!!! But know some odd words, such as Sykkel (Cykel in Swedish). Many thanks for getting in touch with me, as a result I have today asked MS USA about which Build with which Release Date is the current O/S
version that is almost bug free? And, do MS supply this version also to their
MSDN-customers? Because, it won't help to re-install any Windows-version
prior to the current one!!!

Signing off here. You know I am a Captain (but ROTC-style), they won't let me take command of a Cruise Liner, for sure!!!

//KaparLasse[emoji41][emoji294]️[emoji294]️[emoji294]️[emoji335]