📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses how to perform a clean installation of Windows 8.1 using a Windows 8 Pro upgrade disk, with the original poster concerned about the validity of their key after hardware changes and reinstalling from the upgrade media. A responder provides a detailed guide for clean installing Windows 8/8.1 and advises having the registration key ready, noting that Microsoft might require phone activation if the system appears significantly different. Overall, the conversation offers practical advice for reinstalling Windows and addressing activation concerns after hardware changes.
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ripper2124

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Jun 9, 2014
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Thread Author #1
Hi I have a question. I bought my computer a few years ago. It came with windows xp, had a free upgrade to windows 7. I then purchased a windows 8 pro upgrade disk, installed that, and now I am running windows 8.1. Fast forward a few years, I've changed my computer case and lost everything but my windows 8 pro upgrade disk. I've read that you can not do a clean install with this disk without installing previous versions. What is the process of installing 8.1 and making sure my copy is valid and working. I want to totally reformat and start over fresh, but am worried that my key will not work if I install from the windows 8 pro upgrade disk. Thank you for any help.
 

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MikeHawthorne
Hi

Here is a detailed set of instructions on how to clean install Windows 8 and 8.1.
Make sure you have your registration key handy before you start.

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/ss/windows-8-clean-install-part-1.htm

If the process works and Microsoft identifies this as a different computer then the original install, you may have to call and explain that the computer has been repaired and has a new mother board etc.

Or it may just let you do it with no issues.

Mike
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MikeHawthorne

MikeHawthorne

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Microsoft Community Contributor
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#2
Hi

Here is a detailed set of instructions on how to clean install Windows 8 and 8.1.
Make sure you have your registration key handy before you start.

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/ss/windows-8-clean-install-part-1.htm

If the process works and Microsoft identifies this as a different computer then the original install, you may have to call and explain that the computer has been repaired and has a new mother board etc.

Or it may just let you do it with no issues.

Mike
 

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