Post: Question about Windows backup
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08-23-2014, 05:24 PM
#2
Oneup
Guest
Originally posted by Dan
Okay, I had Windows 8.1 on my laptop and I backed it up, then I installed Linux on it. The question is, if I install Windows 8.1 on my desktop could I install that backup and make it a legit installation of Windows 8.1?
Talking about recovery media right? You shouldn't need to reinstall windows 8 before running the backup it should do it for you. As for making it legit? If you have a key that shouldnt be an issue.
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08-24-2014, 04:07 AM
#3
Cryptic
Former Staff | Content Manager
No you actually can't. Microsoft changed how their keys work now. Even if you go buy the store copy of Windows 8.1 (which I did) it's a one time use, tied to the mobo key. Found that out the hard way.
You can't use a back up to make a legit install of Windows.
You can try to use a keygen, but that's iffy.
You can't use a back up to make a legit install of Windows.
You can try to use a keygen, but that's iffy.
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08-25-2014, 12:01 AM
#7
Oneup
Guest
Originally posted by Cryptic
No you actually can't. Microsoft changed how their keys work now. Even if you go buy the store copy of Windows 8.1 (which I did) it's a one time use, tied to the mobo key. Found that out the hard way.
You can't use a back up to make a legit install of Windows.
You can try to use a keygen, but that's iffy.
You can't use a back up to make a legit install of Windows.
You can try to use a keygen, but that's iffy.
Sure about that? Because I have used my key over several installs and through 2 setups and it's always worked.
08-25-2014, 12:58 AM
#8
Cryptic
Former Staff | Content Manager
Originally posted by 1UP
Sure about that? Because I have used my key over several installs and through 2 setups and it's always worked.
Yeah. I used my Win 8.1 key on my desktop when I built it. Then when I tried to fix my moms laptop (needed full wipe and OS install) I tried to put Win 8.1 on it, I got an error saying the key was already in use on another Mobo.
08-25-2014, 02:43 AM
#9
Oneup
Guest
Originally posted by Cryptic
Yeah. I used my Win 8.1 key on my desktop when I built it. Then when I tried to fix my moms laptop (needed full wipe and OS install) I tried to put Win 8.1 on it, I got an error saying the key was already in use on another Mobo.
Never heard of it caring about motherboards. Only reason I would ever think of that is if it was an OEM machine that you got the key from and in that case that would make sense but you said you bought a retail copy.
08-25-2014, 12:54 PM
#10
Cryptic
Former Staff | Content Manager
Originally posted by 1UP
Never heard of it caring about motherboards. Only reason I would ever think of that is if it was an OEM machine that you got the key from and in that case that would make sense but you said you bought a retail copy.
Right which is what I thought, but I bought a copy from Walmart. Full retail. I checked the package to make sure it wasn't an OEM copy, couldn't find anywhere where it said it was an OEM copy.
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