The title noted above is actually an error message, encountered while installing Windows 8. New machines with pre-installed specific version of Windows 8 do not display any Product key. This is because the key is embedded into the BIOS or firmware of the machine. Whenever you try to initiate a Windows installation process on this machine, you will not be asked for the product key.
Prior to proceeding this piece for the solution, let be advised to first Scan and Fix your system’s concealed disorders which most probably is eliciting the inconsistencies:
- Step 1 : Download Systimizer – PC Cleaner & Internet Booster (Works on Windows 10, 8, 7 & XP)
- Step 2 : Click “Scan” to find system issues
- Step 3 : Click “Fix” to repair all anomalies
Now what the issue is that when a user, having pre-installed Home Basic or Home Premium on his/her machine removes it by formatting and tries to install a professional or ultimate version from an ISO, he/she is being stopped by the error message displayed above. The machine contacts BIOS for the validation of product key, which in case of mismatch, fails to comply. The reason is that the product key implanted in BIOS is only effective for Home Basic or Home Premium edition.
Solution
There are a couple of solutions to install a different edition of Windows 8 on your new machine, without any troubles. These solutions are listed and described in detail.
Through Source Files
- Go to Windows 8 Start screen, type Notepad and click to open it from search results
- In the Notepad, type [PID] Value=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX (where X is product key)
- Save this file with the name PID.txt
- Place PID.txt into the /sources folder of your ISO package and re-burn the ISO
- From same ISO, extract the file naming EI.cfg and open it with Notepad
- Insert a desired edition of Windows 8 and remove the undesired one.
- Save the file and create a bootable ISO by burning it on disk or creating bootable thumb drive
Through Upgrade process
- If you have already removed the home edition from your machine, be sure to install it back
- Once installed, you can use Win 8 home edition to update its self
- A Professional Edition upgrade can easily be found on Microsoft Store
- Go to Start screen and type upgrade to conduct a new Search
- Click on Settings and find the result Get more features with a new edition of Windows
- Confirm by clicking Yes button on UAC message alert
- In Add features to Windows 8 window, click I want to buy a product key online
- On the next screen, choose and buy the Professional edition from Windows Store
- It will take 15-20 minutes in downloading and installing the upgrade without affecting your files
If in the above stated procedures, you have successfully acquired Windows 8 Professional, but you are unable to activate it, just call Microsoft and they will solve it for you.
Related Article
How do I Fix Error 0xc00000e9?
How to Standardize Your Windows 8 on Your Own
tnx
Do you think it will also works in windows 10?