📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses a user attempting to activate Windows 8 with a product key that results in an error stating it can only be used for upgrades, not clean installations. The user explains they previously used the same key on their computer when it was running Windows XP, and questions why the key isn't working for a fresh install. A contributor advises that to use an upgrade key, Windows XP must be installed first, then upgraded to Windows 8, highlighting differences between OEM, upgrade, and retail keys.
Xlae07

Xlae07

New Member
Member details
Joined
Mar 10, 2015
Messages
3
Thread Author #1
So i recently just installed windows 8 into a new hard drive i got, as it started it up into the desktop screen it asked for my product key to activate windows. So i used the key i had and it didn't work then went it into a error "saying the software licensing service determined that this specified product key can only be used for upgrading, not for clean installations." i don't know why the key isnt working and i need help.
 

Solution
Jimbo22
You have to reinstall windows XP first then install windows 8 over top of XP using the upgrade key you got from the retail shop.

Product Keys:
OEM - windows OS is tied to that mobo/cpu and can't be transferred, can be used to clean install generally found on branded (HP, Dell, Acer and so on) retail PC's. You can also purchase an OEM key.

Upgrade - windows OS that allows you to upgrade over an existing install of windows, can't be used to clean install and this is usually cheaper than buying a full blown OEM or Retail key.

Retail - windows OS that comes with both 32/64 bit architecture, is transferable, can be clean installed and usually is the most expensive of the 3.

Link Removed
Sort by date Sort by votes
ussnorway

ussnorway

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Member details
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
4,599
#2
Did your old computer used to be windows 7 perhaps?

An upgrade key needs to be installed over another working os like 7 or even vista... there are semi-legial work arounds but they tend to do more harm than good.

Did you get this key from a real shop
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
Xlae07

Xlae07

New Member
Member details
Joined
Mar 10, 2015
Messages
3
Thread Author #3
I got the key a long time ago and i used it for the same computer im using now. I got the key at a office depot or at a bestbuy
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
Xlae07

Xlae07

New Member
Member details
Joined
Mar 10, 2015
Messages
3
Thread Author #4
my computer used xp before then i switched it to windows 8 using the same key i used for this computer
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
Jimbo22

Jimbo22

Essential Member
Member details
Joined
Aug 27, 2008
Messages
5,036
#5
You have to reinstall windows XP first then install windows 8 over top of XP using the upgrade key you got from the retail shop.

Product Keys:
OEM - windows OS is tied to that mobo/cpu and can't be transferred, can be used to clean install generally found on branded (HP, Dell, Acer and so on) retail PC's. You can also purchase an OEM key.

Upgrade - windows OS that allows you to upgrade over an existing install of windows, can't be used to clean install and this is usually cheaper than buying a full blown OEM or Retail key.

Retail - windows OS that comes with both 32/64 bit architecture, is transferable, can be clean installed and usually is the most expensive of the 3.

Link Removed
 

Upvote 1 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.