Windows 8 PRO over OEM

dichis
dichis Member Posts: 9 New User

I have a v5-571pg-53314g75mass with Windows 8 already installed.

Because this computer need to work in a domain, I have also bought Windows 8 PRO OEM. However, when I install Windows 8 PRO OEM the computer is already activated using the Windows 8 licence (from somewhere, it appears already activated with a AAOEM key).

 

I need Windows 8 PRO to use this computer in a domain. What can I do?

Best Answer

  • dichis
    dichis Member Posts: 9 New User
    Answer ✓

    SOLVED - We paid 30$ to a local Acer service to remove the embedded key from UEFI.

Answers

  • Tommy-Acer
    Tommy-Acer VIP Posts: 6,317 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon

    We would recommend that you use the Upgrade program instead of attempting to reinstall over the OEM version.

     

     

     

  • dichis
    dichis Member Posts: 9 New User

    Thanks, I'll try that and then report back.

  • dichis
    dichis Member Posts: 9 New User

    We've used the Upgrade Assistant Tool, but that app is for upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8. As it starts, it detects Windows 8 and only installs some drivers.

  • Tommy-Acer
    Tommy-Acer VIP Posts: 6,317 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon

    How to upgrade your Windows 8 version

    Use Windows Key + Pause Break to bring up the System window.

    Click on "Get more features with a new edtion of Windows" under the Windows edition section.  This will bring up the "Add featuers to Windows 8" window.

    Follow the prompts.

  • dichis
    dichis Member Posts: 9 New User

    We've bought a Windows 8 PRO OEM with the computer, the serial number on the licence, although it's valid, we receive the "This key won't work with this version of windows". Any ideea there?

  • Tommy-Acer
    Tommy-Acer VIP Posts: 6,317 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon

    I'm not understanding. 

     

    You purchased an additional license for Windows 8 Pro?

     

    You have the key from the additional copy of Windows 8 and are attempting to use it during the upgrade?

  • dichis
    dichis Member Posts: 9 New User

    Yep, the laptop came with Windows 8, we wanted Windows 8 Pro so we bought an additional OEM license for Windows 8 Pro.

  • Tommy-Acer
    Tommy-Acer VIP Posts: 6,317 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon

    What version of Windows 8 Pro did you purchase?

    A 32-bit version cannot upgrade a 64-bit version.

  • dichis
    dichis Member Posts: 9 New User

    We've purchased Windows 8 PRO 64 bit OEM.

    We tried a workaround:

    - install Windows 7

    - use the Upgrade Assistant to upgrade to Windows 8 PRO (we used the Windows 8 PRO DVD in the upgrade process)

    - the same Windows 8 is installed (not the PRO edition, but the regular one)

     

    Even if we use the Windows 8 PRO DVD to install Windows, we end up with a non-PRO version, and it activates without requiring any Product Key.

  • Dianos
    Dianos Member Posts: 9 New User

    I think: It is, because your bios is UEFI. Then, the key is automatically  read from the uefi(bios) und the key  there is the oem-key,  not the win 8 pro key.

    Maybe, you can try to change the bios from uefi to legacy und install win 8 pro.

  • dichis
    dichis Member Posts: 9 New User

    Tried that also (in BIOS we have set the Boot Mode to Legacy BIOS) - still the same Windows is installed.

    Can we delete the OemSetup from UEFI or something?

  • Dianos
    Dianos Member Posts: 9 New User

    Delete/Change the key in uefi: I am not sure, but ACER Servicepeople could do this. You can ask them.

     

    Something else.... maybe a workaround. Read this:

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/698920-installing-windows-8-pro-over-standard-oem-your-new-win8-certified-notebook.html

  • Tommy-Acer
    Tommy-Acer VIP Posts: 6,317 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon

    You must use the Upgrade wizard within Windows 8 to upgrade to Pro.  That is all.

     

    There is an OEM key embedded in BIOS.  This will cause a regular install to automatically use the key.

  • dichis
    dichis Member Posts: 9 New User

    Hello,

     

    As I previously said - the serial number on the Windows 8 PRO OEM licence, although it's valid, we receive the "This key won't work with this version of windows".

  • Tommy-Acer
    Tommy-Acer VIP Posts: 6,317 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon

    At this point, your best bet is to call Microsoft to support the version of Windows that you're installing.

  • dichis
    dichis Member Posts: 9 New User
    Answer ✓

    SOLVED - We paid 30$ to a local Acer service to remove the embedded key from UEFI.

This discussion has been closed.