📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses a user troubleshooting Windows 8.1 activation after replacing a motherboard, with difficulties purchasing a legitimate activation key due to Microsoft's servers possibly being down. The user seeks advice on acquiring a retail product key and updates that Microsoft recommended third-party retailers, prompting others to suggest sources like g2play.net. Overall, the sentiment indicates frustration with activation issues and seeking reliable options for legitimate Windows keys.

Magicthise

New Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2017
Messages
2
Thread Author #1
Hi everyone,

I find myself in a bit of a bind.

I'm fixing a PC for a family friend - the motherboard died. Anyway, it was running Windows 8.1 - (I believe it was a cracked version - dunno, didn't build it).

So anyway, the motherboard died, so I swapped like for like - A Gigabyte SKT-AM3 78LMT-USB3, which I believe is a non UEFI board.

So all is fine, I downloaded the media build tool, used a USB stick to install windows 8.1 - standard 64-bit edition and Windows is up and running and updated.

So I wanted to buy a legit key for it to activate it. However, when I try, I get a message saying (paraphrasing): you can't currently buy a key online, try again later or buy a retail copy.

Would I be right in saying that Microsoft have dropped the activation servers for 8.1 or is there another issue?

Any advice would be welcome.
 

Solution
Ok, slight update on this - spoke to Microsoft, and they told me to go to a third party retailer to buy a product code.. Thing is, I'm struggling to find a non pro 64bit 8.1 retail code. I don't suppose anyone can direct me to somewhere?

Thanks.

You could try g2play.net/ I've had keys from them before and all has been well.

Magicthise

New Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2017
Messages
2
Thread Author #2
Ok, slight update on this - spoke to Microsoft, and they told me to go to a third party retailer to buy a product code.. Thing is, I'm struggling to find a non pro 64bit 8.1 retail code. I don't suppose anyone can direct me to somewhere?

Thanks.
 

nmsuk

Essential Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
4,328
Ok, slight update on this - spoke to Microsoft, and they told me to go to a third party retailer to buy a product code.. Thing is, I'm struggling to find a non pro 64bit 8.1 retail code. I don't suppose anyone can direct me to somewhere?

Thanks.

You could try g2play.net/ I've had keys from them before and all has been well.
 

Solution