Ask a new question

The product key entered does not match any of the Windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key.

I have purchased Windows 8 Pro ($39.99 - Full, I believe) and I'm trying to install this as a clean-install over a preloaded Windows 8 Core (I need to format the drive, get rid of hidden recovery partitions and adware that comes preinstalled with new systems). So I have downloaded the upgrade assistant and created a bootable USB key - the installation never asks me for my key.

 

After the reboot, and selecting Languages, Region and Time Zone the system simply throws out a message "The product key entered does not match any of the Windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key." and then proceeds to the first screen - never actually letting me enter my key for Windows 8 Pro.

 

Can you help?

 

Thank you!

 

 

Answer
Answer

Thanks, this solved the problem for me.  Just use notepad to make a file called PID.txt and put the following in the file:

 

[PID]

Value=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

 

Place your windows 8 Pro key in where the X's are and save the file to the /sources directory in the root of your USB key. 

 

The PID file overrides the pre-installed OEM key in the bios of your computer.  Windows 8 installation starts right up.  Now I have a clean install of Windows 8 pro.

192 people found this reply helpful

·

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

 
 

Question Info

Last updated November 13, 2022 Views 114,112 Applies to: